PHOENIX (Feb. 3, 2026) — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), in partnership with the City of Globe and the Town of Star Valley, has completed four major per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mitigation projects—delivering safe drinking water that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new PFAS standards years ahead of the federal compliance deadline.

Funded through Governor Katie Hobbs’ $5 million state investment to address PFAS in drinking water, the projects eliminated PFAS exposure by connecting impacted small water systems to nearby municipal systems that already meet federal drinking water standards. 

The four interconnections cost approximately $1.07 million, including design and construction. ADEQ selected interconnections instead of treatment because they provide a more cost-effective, sustainable long-term solution for small water systems. PFAS treatment for water systems is significantly more expensive than treatment for most other regulated drinking water contaminants. EPA estimates nationwide compliance with the new PFAS rule will cost public water systems more than $1.5 billion annually | View EPA Fact Sheet >

By using state allocated funding and choosing interconnections over treatment, ADEQ helped communities avoid passing PFAS compliance costs on to customers. 

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 Globe, ADEQ and the city connected the HAV Properties and August Hills Mobile Home Park water systems to the city’s water system. In Star Valley, ADEQ and the town completed two interconnections linking the Houston Creek and Lil W. Ranch water systems to the town’s water system. 

With the new infrastructure in place, the systems now meet EPA’s PFAS standards and provide safe drinking water to more than 300 residents. 

A third Star Valley interconnection, connecting Pine View RV Resort to the town’s water system, is expected to be completed in March 2026. Additional work is underway designing a new booster pump station to improve water delivery for 1,545 residents.

This is a big win, said Paul Jepson, City of Globe CIty Manager. Families that were impacted and are now on city water can turn on their taps knowing their water meets all federal safe drinking water standards, including the upcoming PFAS regulations.

By completing these projects years ahead of EPA’s deadline, Star Valley is protecting residents from PFAS and strengthening confidence in our drinking water, said Timothy Grier, Town Manager for the Town of Star Valley.

The completed projects mark a major milestone in ADEQ’s broader PFAS mitigation strategy to support small rural water systems across Arizona. In addition to the $5 million, ADEQ is leveraging $84 million in federal funding to test, evaluate and implement PFAS mitigation projects statewide.

To learn more about ADEQ’s proactive approach to PFAS and view statewide PFAS testing data, visit ADEQ's PFAS resources page | Visit Page >

Background and Resources

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used for decades in products such as non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging and firefighting foams. While exposure primarily occurs through consumer products, PFAS can enter drinking water supplies and accumulate over time. Long-term exposure to certain PFAS levels may be associated with negative health effects. 

• Press release: Governor Hobbs’ $5 Million PFAS Funding Helps City of Globe and Other Small Public Water Systems Serve Healthy Drinking Water | View Funding Press Release >
• Press release: ADEQ and Town of Star Valley Launch PFAS Mitigation Project for Safe Drinking Water Backed by Governor’s Office | View Project Press Release >
• ADEQ: Addressing PFAS in Drinking Water & Resources for Public Water Systems | View Resources Page >

Contacts:

ADEQ
Public Information Officer
480-670-0568 | Email PIO >

City of Globe
Paul Jepson
‭602-672-6024‬ | Email Paul Jepson >

Town of Star Valley
Timothy Grier, Town Manager
928-472-7752 | Email Timothy Grier >