- Arizona completed four PFAS mitigation projects ahead of federal rules.
- Small water systems were connected to compliant municipal supplies.
- The projects avoided costly treatment systems for rural customers.
- More than 300 residents now receive water meeting new standards.
Monday, February 9, 2026 — Arizona has taken an early and practical step to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, in drinking water. On February 3, 2026, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
announced the completion of four major PFAS mitigation projects in partnership with the City of Globe and the Town of Star Valley.
The projects were finished years ahead of the federal compliance deadline set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which finalized new national drinking water standards for certain PFAS compounds in 2024.
Why PFAS Matter for Drinking Water.
PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used for decades in everyday products such as non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foams. Because these chemicals break down very slowly, they can build up in the environment and, in some cases, enter drinking water supplies.
Long-term exposure to certain PFAS at elevated levels has been linked in scientific studies to potential health risks. For small and rural water systems, meeting new PFAS standards can be especially challenging due to the cost and complexity of treatment.
A Different Approach: Interconnections Instead of Treatment.
Rather than installing expensive PFAS treatment systems, ADEQ chose to connect affected small water systems to nearby municipal systems that already meet federal drinking water standards. These connections, known as interconnections, allow smaller systems to receive treated water from larger utilities.
According to ADEQ, the four completed interconnections cost approximately $1.07 million for design and construction. PFAS treatment systems can be far more expensive to install and operate, particularly for contaminants that require advanced filtration technologies. The EPA has estimated that nationwide compliance with the new PFAS rule will cost public water systems more than $1.5 billion each year.
By using interconnections and state funding, ADEQ reduced the risk that compliance costs would be passed on to customers in small communities.
Where the Projects Were Completed.
In Globe, two small systems serving HAV Properties and the August Hills Mobile Home Park were connected to the city’s water system. In Star Valley, two interconnections linked the Houston Creek and Lil W. Ranch water systems to the town’s supply.
With these connections in place, the affected systems now meet federal PFAS standards and provide compliant drinking water to more than 300 residents.
A third interconnection in Star Valley, connecting Pine View RV Resort to the town’s system, is scheduled for completion in March 2026. ADEQ is also designing a new booster pump station intended to improve water delivery for an additional 1,545 residents.
Funding and Statewide PFAS Efforts.
The completed projects were funded through a $5 million state investment announced by Katie Hobbs to address PFAS in drinking water. ADEQ is also leveraging $84 million in federal funding to test, evaluate, and implement PFAS mitigation projects across Arizona.
“These projects show how early action and strategic investment can help communities meet EPA’s new PFAS standards while protecting public health,” said ADEQ Director Karen Peters in the February 3, 2026 announcement.
Local officials emphasized the impact on residents. Globe City Manager Paul Jepson said families previously affected can now use their tap water knowing it meets all federal drinking water standards, including the upcoming PFAS rules. Star Valley Town Manager Timothy Grier said completing the projects ahead of the deadline strengthens public confidence in local drinking water.
What This Means for the Future.
Arizona’s approach highlights one possible path for rural and small water systems facing PFAS compliance. By planning early and choosing lower-cost infrastructure solutions, states may reduce long-term financial pressure on ratepayers while still meeting federal health standards.
As federal PFAS rules take effect nationwide, similar interconnection strategies may be considered in other regions where small systems are located near larger municipal utilities.
Pictured: Globe, Arizona
(Public Domain). By Meiguoren, November 2008.
