Where we work
Arizona Water And Wastewater Engineering
Water and wastewater engineering in Arizona for developers, utilities and towns. Site civil design, ADEQ and ADWR permits, and construction support.
What we do in Arizona
Water and wastewater engineering in Arizona
Modern Engineering Solutions (MES) designs water and wastewater systems for Arizona projects. We also do site civil engineering for land development and construction administration.
We work for developers and builders, utilities and municipalities, and engineering firms that need water or wastewater help. MES is licensed in Arizona and eight other states, and has completed 525+ projects.
How permitting and review work in Arizona
Water supply comes first. In an Active Management Area (AMA), a new subdivision needs a Certificate of Assured Water Supply from the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), or a commitment of service from a designated water provider. The plat cannot be approved without one. The test is water that is physically, legally and continuously available for 100 years.
Outside the AMAs, ADWR issues a water adequacy determination. In most places a short supply has to be disclosed to buyers. Some cities and counties go further and require an adequate supply before final plat approval.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) reviews water and sewer design, or delegates that review to a county or city. New water facilities need an Approval to Construct before work starts and an Approval of Construction before they go into service. New sewer lines go through the Type 4.01 general permit. Wastewater treatment is permitted through the Aquifer Protection Permit program.
Cities and counties review site plans, grading and drainage. Building in a mapped floodplain needs a floodplain use permit from the local floodplain office, such as the Flood Control District of Maricopa County or the Pima County Regional Flood Control District. Sites that disturb one acre or more need coverage under ADEQ's AZPDES Construction General Permit.
Our work in Arizona
Most of our Arizona work is site civil work for small commercial sites. We prepare site plan and utility plan sheets, then take each set through local review.
Through a drive-up water kiosk site program, we have finished sites in Phoenix, Glendale, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Kingman, Fort Mohave and Yuma, with more under way in Mesa, Tempe, Tucson and nearby cities. An ice vending site program adds sites in Phoenix, Tempe, Peoria, Glendale and Gilbert.
Common questions
Do I need an assured water supply to build in an AMA?
If you are subdividing land for sale or lease inside an AMA, yes. You need a Certificate of Assured Water Supply from ADWR, or a written commitment from a designated provider, before the plat can be approved. We confirm early whether the rule applies to your site.
Who reviews water and sewer plans in Arizona?
ADEQ, or a county or city it has delegated. In Maricopa County, water and sewer line projects go to the county's Environmental Services Department. Treatment plants follow a separate review path.
Is MES licensed in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona is one of nine states where MES is licensed. Call (214) 833-6748 to talk through your project.
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