Gila County in partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA), has launched a cesspool remediation project. This initiative aims to protect public health and enhance community safety by addressing and replacing aging septic systems and cesspools on private properties. These systems pose a public health threat in many ways, including the potential to contaminate groundwater—a crucial source of drinking water in Arizona, particularly in rural areas.
“For decades, cesspools and aging septic systems have posed a hidden risk to Arizona's groundwater, the primary source of water for private drinking water wells and the majority of rural public water systems,” said ADEQ Deputy Director Karen Peters. “By addressing these issues head-on, we are taking a significant step toward safeguarding public health and preserving our water resources.” 
“Protection of our groundwater resources is paramount to our drought and climate resiliency,” asserted Martha Guzman, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator. “EPA is proud to collaborate with ADEQ and WIFA in an innovative approach that invests directly in communities, upgrading aging septic systems and cesspools to protect health and the environment.”

The project is made possible by a new, innovative funding mechanism through the WIFA. In June 2023, the WIFA Board of Directors approved a significant policy change, allowing Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and political subdivisions (i.e., counties) to access funds for addressing pollution from cesspools and aging septic systems. On July 17, 2024, the WIFA approved a 100% forgivable $250,000 loan to Gila County. This loan will fund the replacement of cesspools with approved septic systems, a significant step towards safeguarding public health and groundwater quality. 

“WIFA is thrilled to have played a role in helping Gila County address their cesspool problem,” said WIFA Director Chuck Podolak. “Replacing cesspools with modern septic tanks will lead to significant positive health outcomes and environmental benefits. We look forward to expanding this project in Gila County and across all of Arizona, eliminating the use of cesspools."

The remediation project is expected to retrofit as many as 12 cesspools identified by a study funded by the Central Arizona Governments (CAG). These efforts will substantially reduce the risk of groundwater pollution, protecting drinking water sources for residents.

“Growth in Gila County started in the late 1800s when cesspools were the innovative sewage treatment technology of the time. Growth continued in the most desirable areas, along the flowing streams, continuing to use the cesspool technology of the time. Cesspool installation gave way to primitive septic systems around 1976 utilizing the design principle 'daddy knows best.' Science caught up with growth in late 1989, leaving over 5,500 of today’s homeowners using their original cesspools and over 1,600 more using what daddy thought was best,” said Environmental Health Manager Jake Garrett

Gila County Public Health Director Josh Beck went on to say, “This innovative forgivable funding opportunity provides a path forward for homeowners to improve their living conditions while at the same time returning our waters to their pristine condition. We are deeply appreciative for the efforts of so many people and organizations that have made this opportunity possible.”

While cesspools have been prohibited since 1976 in Arizona, many residents have struggled to afford necessary upgrades. Traditional funding mechanisms have fallen short, leaving vulnerable communities at risk. The new funding mechanism is now available to all counties and NGOs across Arizona. This broader availability underscores the significance of this resource for improving water quality throughout the state.

ADEQ engaged Gila County Environmental Services, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9, and the Sacramento State University Technical Assistance Center to explore possible solutions to the cesspool issue as identified by the 2020 Gila County Septic Use Study Report by CAG. The concerted efforts of these organizations helped bridge the funding gap and paved the way for this innovative public health initiative. EPA Region 9 facilitated WIFA's involvement in developing a funding mechanism for this environmental and public health challenge.  

Learn more in this recent EPA video: youtube.com/watch?v=C2cqz7lfZcQ.