Phoenix and Scottsdale are considering plans to recycle water for drinking in the next few years.

The tap water that emerges from this Advanced Water Purification process — which typically involves additional filtration, ozone treatment and reverse osmosis — should be super clean.

And, even better, it would offer a relatively drought-proof, renewable water source that could supplement dwindling groundwater or Colorado River supplies.

But if that’s the case, why isn’t everyone pursuing this technology?

Perhaps the answers to common reader questions will help explain the limitations:

Actually, some are, mostly near major cities.

But they’re not treating it to drinking standards, as the water produced by Advanced Water Purification would be.

Tapping this supply is less likely for farms in rural groundwater basins, for one simple reason:

There probably wouldn’t be enough of it.

Want rural water regulation?Don't........

© Arizona Republic