Scottsdale Council Candidates to Debate Water Recycling Plan
Voters will decide on two City Council seats in the November 3 election that will impact local wastewater policy.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Utilities
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Would you support a local plan to turn recycled wastewater into drinking water?
Scottsdale City Council candidates hold conflicting views on a proposed wastewater recycling program ahead of the November 3 election. The initiative would treat and purify wastewater for residential use as the city seeks to address declining water supplies.
Why it matters
The election outcomes will determine the future of the city's water infrastructure as Scottsdale faces mandatory cuts and reduced flows from the Colorado River. This decision is central to maintaining long-term water security for local residents.
Two City Council seats are on the ballot in the upcoming election. The city currently relies on the Colorado River for its water supply, which is facing ongoing supply challenges.
The players
Michelle Ugenti-Rita
She is a candidate for the Scottsdale City Council who opposes the proposed wastewater recycling program.
Barry Graham
He is a candidate for the Scottsdale City Council who has expressed opposition to the city's wastewater recycling plan.
Raoul Zubia
He is a candidate for the Scottsdale City Council who supports the implementation of the wastewater recycling program.
The details
The program under debate would involve advanced treatment processes to purify wastewater before it is routed to residential taps. Candidates Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Barry Graham have expressed opposition to the plan, while candidate Raoul Zubia supports its adoption.
Timeline
The Scottsdale city elections will take place on November 3, 2026.
Market Landscape
The push for local water recycling follows the regional management protocols established by the Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plan. This trend reflects a broader shift toward municipal self-reliance as cities move to secure water supplies against regional scarcity.
Residents should track the election results closely as they will directly influence the future quality and source of their tap water. The outcome could lead to significant changes in municipal water rates or infrastructure investment requirements for local households.
The takeaway
Water security remains a critical issue for desert communities navigating the impacts of a shrinking Colorado River. Voters are encouraged to review specific candidate platforms to understand how each approach to recycling will impact local utility reliability.
What happens next
The Scottsdale city election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will settle the composition of the council and the direction of the water project.
Further reading
Learn more about local infrastructure and water management policies on the Scottsdale Utilities page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
Live Poll
Would you support a local plan to turn recycled wastewater into drinking water?
