The Northern Gila County Sanitary District is the agency responsible for wastewater collection and treatment, reuse water production and distribution, and biosolids remediation in the greater Payson area. The District was formed in 1965 by a majority of the voters desiring solutions to environmental issues.

The first wastewater treatment plant was constructed and began operation in 1972. Rapid growth experienced in the 70′s soon began to overtax the existing facilities. After receiving overwhelming support from the community, the District began construction on a unique process and facility expansion in 1983 which was fully operational in mid-1984.

In early 1989, additional modifications were completed to increase the biological phosphorus removal by means of a volatile fatty acid basin. The Town of Payson and the District began a partnership in 1989 to facilitate the construction of Green Valley Park. Completed in 1996, the project serves as a water conservation and groundwater recharge project. Another plant expansion was completed in 1997, in which additional sand filters and ultra-violet disinfection units were added.