TSMC Arizona Breaks Ground on Water Reclamation Plant Targeting 90% Recycling Rate
Written by Kaitlyn Gomez
TSMC Arizona commenced groundbreaking on a 15-acre Industrial Reclamation Water Plant (IRWP) in August, marking a significant advancement in semiconductor manufacturing water conservation. The facility, scheduled for completion in 2028, aims to achieve "Near Zero Liquid Discharge" capabilities that would enable the company to recycle 90% or more of its water usage.
The plant will enable the company to convert industrial wastewater back to ultrapure standards required for semiconductor production. Chipmaking processes demand ultrapure water to remove microscopic particles that could cause performance defects in semiconductor wafers.
At startup, the facility is expected to achieve an 85% water recycling rate, with plans to increase that figure to 90% or better. TSMC Arizona currently recycles 65% of its water through an existing in-house water resource center, which converts industrial wastewater for use in air scrubbers and cooling tower systems.
The IRWP will support TSMC Arizona's first two fabrication facilities at its north Phoenix site. The company has indicated that additional water reclamation plants are planned for future fab developments.
Water Conservation in the Desert
The semiconductor industry faces particular scrutiny regarding water usage in drought-prone regions. TSMC Arizona's water reclamation initiative addresses these concerns by substantially reducing the facility's reliance on municipal water supplies from the City of Phoenix.The "Near Zero Liquid Discharge" approach employed by the IRWP minimizes liquid waste output while maximizing water recovery and reuse. This closed-loop system design has become increasingly important for semiconductor manufacturers operating in water-scarce regions.
Industry Context
Water consumption remains a critical consideration for semiconductor manufacturing, with typical fabs using millions of gallons daily. The ultrapure water required for wafer cleaning and processing necessitates extensive treatment processes that traditionally resulted in significant water discharge.TSMC's global operations have maintained similar water conservation standards across facilities. The company released its annual Sustainability Report covering 2024 ESG performance metrics, with TSMC Arizona's performance data scheduled for inclusion in future reports.
Construction of the IRWP continues TSMC Arizona's infrastructure development at its Phoenix location, where the company has invested billions in establishing domestic chip production capabilities. The water reclamation plant adds another layer to the site's operational infrastructure as production scales up in the coming years.
