PHOENIX — Living in the desert, we usually don't see a lot of rain. During the monsoon, we can get too much all at once. The Tres Rios Wetlands is a hidden secret designed to balance it all out.
Think of this; millions of gallons of water per day flowing through wetlands, with thriving wildlife and bosques of trees and grasses lining the river. The desert southwest certainly doesn't come to mind.
You likely wouldn't even guess it, but you can find 700 acres of wetlands only 16 miles west of downtown Phoenix.
Spanish for "three rivers," Tres Rios was named for its location near the confluence of the Salt, Gila, and Agua Fria Rivers.
What are the Tres Rios Wetlands?
The three main goals of these man-made wetlands are flood risk management, habitat restoration, and education.
The Tres Rios Environmental Restoration Project involves the rehabilitation of 700 acres in and around the Salt River, restoring a vital wetland and habitat.
Today, the lush, scenic Tres Rios is home to more than 150 different species of birds and animals. This project is repairing a natural habitat, as it brings the Salt River back to its condition during the early 1800s. The reclaimed water from the wastewater treatment plant is pumped over to the wetlands, and the plants and animals take what they need before it's discharged back into the river.
How does the wetlands help our community?
Nazario Prieto, assistant water services director of the City of Phoenix, explains how Tres Rios benefits our community.
The wetlands were "built to incorporate flood control. There were some flooding issues for homes behind Tres Rios, Prieto said.
From drought to monsoon storms, these wetlands are working to protect our community every day. According to Prieto, the ultimate goal within the next ten years is to take some of the water that leaves the wetlands and get it into people's faucets at home.
Prieto plans on turning this goal into reality by "build[ing] another treatment facility that can take some of this water that's leaving here, run it through the advanced purified water facility and then turn it into potable water."
As Arizona trends hotter and drier, it's projects like this that will help sustain life in the desert.
Can anyone visit the wetlands?
Anyone can visit these breathtaking wetlands, but permits are required. Prior to visiting, permits must be requested by visiting the City of Phoenix website and clicking on the "Request a Permit" link.
Permits are free and are valid for six months; they allow unlimited visits between sunrise and sunset, 365 days per year.
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