Election year “poop water” claims lead wealthy suburb to drop recycling plan

September 24, 2026 / 6:46 AM EDT / AP

Scottsdale, Ariz. — A Phoenix suburb ditched a plan to send recycled water from toilets and other sources directly to residents' taps after political candidates made unproven claims that the water is contaminated "poop water."

The affluent city of Scottsdale mainly uses purified water from the city's liquid waste to recharge aquifers that can be drawn from when other sources are running low. But in June, as criticism mounted, the city council replaced funding for the recycling program and other water projects with a vague $100 million allocation for new water sources and supplies.

The recycling program has become a strange wedge in a three-way race for two seats on the council in the November election. One candidate supports adding purified wastewater to the drinking supply. Meanwhile, a former Republican state lawmaker and a conservative incumbent say they're skeptical and question the safety and cost of meeting new state regulations.

The city says the candidates' claims of "toilet to tap" — or untested poop water — marginalize the science behind the treatment program. Less than 1% of the city's liquid waste comes from toilets, water officials said. The budget change killed…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/