The City of Phoenix has to be commended for restoring what used to be natural wetlands in southwestern Phoenix, at the confluence of the Salt, Agua Fria, and Gila Rivers — hence, Tres Rios. The area is now used as a final biological step in treating municipal wastewater; the cleaned and stabilized water then returns to the river bottom. It is also an excellent place for viewing wildlife such as wetland vegetation as well as an abundance of local and migratory birds. Some areas used to be open to the public for hiking and birdwatching, but now access is available only by permit, which can be obtained from the city government.
