BDWID Groundwater Well & Treatment System

Bouse, AZ

Bouse, Arizona’s water infrastructure dates back to 1965. Prior to this project, the Bouse Domestic Water Improvement District (BDWID) relied on two groundwater wells, two 7,800-gallon storage tanks, and a network of 2-inch distribution piping to provide potable water to residents. The aging system was prone to frequent leaks, arsenic contamination, undersized piping and equipment, and inadequate storage, resulting in an unreliable drinking water system for this small community. BDWID has worked diligently to make the necessary improvements to its system, ultimately partnering with PACE and Felix Construction to design and construct a new system to address these issues. The improvements included a new groundwater well, an arsenic treatment system, a 70,000-gallon storage tank, and a new 6-inch distribution and metering system. The project aimed to minimize operational costs by using low-waste arsenic adsorption pressure vessels, semi-automated treatment operations, and a simple control system for safety and flexibility. The system is fully automated, reducing the need for full-time operators. The project was financed through USDA Rural Development (USDA-RD), securing $6.5 million in grant funding and only $400,000 in low-interest loans to avoid burdening ratepayers. This project was named AZ Water’s 2025 Water Treatment Project of the Year; this award recognizes not just infrastructure improvement, but a commitment by the District to provide safe and reliable water to its customers.

Key Features:

• Potable water treatment, storage, and distribution line infrastructure
• Water well evaluation and recommendations
• Smaller city / rural community system
• USDA-RD funding support