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The City of Mesa's Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline has been named the 2026 American Public Works Association (APWA) Arizona Chapter Project of the Year in the Environment category for projects exceeding $75 million. The state award recognizes this innovative infrastructure project designed to strengthen Mesa's water resilience.
The project includes approximately 10.5 miles of 36-inch pipeline and a new booster pump station that delivers reclaimed water to the Gila River Indian Community as part of an exchange that provides Mesa with higher prioritized Colorado River water. The pipeline began delivering reclaimed water in March 2026, marking a major milestone in a regional partnership that helps both communities make more efficient use of Arizona's limited water resources. At current flow rates, the exchange facilitated by the pipeline provides Mesa with an amount of potable water equivalent to the annual water use of approximately 30,000 typical residential households.
"This is one of Mesa's true crown jewel infrastructure projects," said Arif Rahman, Deputy Engineer for the City of Mesa Water Resources Department, during the award acceptance. "Water is one of Arizona's most precious resources. Projects like this are about much more than pipelines and pump stations. They're about ensuring a resilient water future for our communities."
The APWA Project of the Year Award recognizes excellence in the management and construction of public works projects and the collaboration among the managing agency, contractor and consultants. The Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline was recognized for its innovative approach to water management and the partnership required to bring a complex, large-scale infrastructure project from concept to completion.
At the heart of the project is a simple but powerful idea: put reclaimed water to beneficial use while strengthening Mesa's water portfolio. Through its partnership with the Gila River Indian Community, Mesa is demonstrating how regional collaboration and strategic infrastructure investments can create long-term solutions to Arizona's water challenges.
"This recognition belongs to an exceptional team," said Rahman. "We're grateful to the Gila River Indian Community for its vision and partnership, and to the City employees, contractors, consultants and many others whose expertise and dedication made this project a reality."
The project was made possible through collaboration among the City of Mesa, the Gila River Indian Community, Garney Construction and engineering consultants Dibble, Kimley-Horn, Ardurra and Black & Veatch, along with the dedication and expertise of numerous City of Mesa employees.
The Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline represents a long-term investment in the infrastructure and partnerships that help Mesa maintain a reliable water supply in the desert. By maximizing reclaimed water and strengthening regional collaboration, the project will help support Mesa residents, businesses and future generations while contributing to a more resilient water future for Arizona.