After finalizing the purchase of water provider Johnson Utilities, EPCOR is planning to make significant upgrades to the San Tan Valley service area. Service problems and sewer overflows have plagued customers in recent years and prohibited development.

The Arizona Corporation Commission appointed EPCOR to run the company in 2018, but disagreements with former owner and founder George Johnson over management prevented any major changes to the infrastructure.

Now that EPCOR has taken full ownership of Johnson Utilities, Vice President Troy Day says EPCOR has access to the cash needed for necessary investments to improve the system.

Day said the company will use a $250,000 grant from the Arizona Department of Water Resources to help build a reclaimed water pipeline. “The line really is to take some of the burden off of groundwater pumping in the San Tan Valley,” he said.

Day says EPCOR is also planning to construct a new regional wastewater treatment plant that will help keep up with development in the area.