History of Desalination in Buckeye
In 1958 a study committee appointed by the Buckeye Town Council told elected officials what everybody already knew—the water was bad. The next two years were spent in studying the problem from all aspects. It was decided after surveying available technology and companies building systems, that the lonics, Inc. electrodialysis (ED) system would be best for Buckeye. A lengthy educational effort was launched, culminating in a 2 to 1 positive vote on a $300,000 bond issue to build Arizona's first municipal desalination plant, which was completed in 1962.

The plant continued to operate effectively for about 20 years. By the early 1980's, the combination of growth and age of equipment made it obvious that a new plant was needed. In 1987, a $1.1 million bond issue, part of a $3.3 million dollar election which also included sewage treatment improvements, was approved, again by a 2 to 1 margin. The new desalting plant began operating in January 1988, the year following final retirement of the 1962 bond issue. The new Electrodialysis Reversal (EDR) facility stands right next to the 1962 plant, which has been converted to an auto maintenance shop.