Due to forecasted storms, free sand for sandbags is now available on a first-come, first-serve basis at nine City of Phoenix Parks.
Supply and Availability
The majority of our supply comes from rivers and canals fed by snowmelt in higher elevation areas. However, long-term drought and climate change have challenged these source water environments and are negatively impacting availability. The City actively plans, invests, and adapts to ensure reliable water for residents today and into the future.
If you are interested in how water supplies may vary under different conditions, you can explore the links below.
Water History
The early townsite of Phoenix officially incorporated in 1881 and as its population and economy grew, so did the need for reliable water supplies. Phoenix, as a local government, began its early municipal water utility operations in 1907, overcoming many governing challenges to successfully begin to provide water to the rapidly expanding community.
For years, the city received surface water from the Verde River through a 30-mile long, 38-inch diameter redwood pipeline. In 1949, Phoenix constructed Arizona’s first surface water treatment plant, located on the banks of the Verde River. Along the way, Phoenix completed its sewer system and began municipal wastewater operations.
Today, Phoenix Water is one of the largest utilities in the country. Our vast infrastructure includes 7,000 miles of water lines, 5,000 miles of sewer lines, eight treatment plants, dozens of pump stations, reservoirs and wells, 50,000 fire hydrants, and 90,000 manholes over a 540 square-mile service area.
Phoenix relies on a diverse water portfolio, meaning we get water from many different sources. Our current water sources include surface water from regional and local sources, groundwater, and reclaimed water.
Phoenix's drinking water supplies (percent of each source)
Phoenix's Drinking Water Supply
For over 100 years, Phoenix Water has delivered safe and clean drinking water to valley residents and visitors. Today, we provide water to more than 1.7 million customers. Thanks to our efforts to develop a sustainable water supply, Phoenix has been designated by the State of Arizona as having a 100-year assured water supply- an important marker of reliability.
Through planned construction of infrastructure to treat and deliver renewable surface water supplies, we have reduced our reliance on groundwater to a minimum, creating a reserve we can call on during times of drought. As operations evolve, the mix of supplies may change. For more detailed, long‑term planning information, please refer to the City’s Water Resource Plan.
We’re working hard to provide reliable water supplies for public health and safety, recreation, industry, and quality of life for generations to come.
Water Sources
Phoenix currently utilizes surface water supplies to satisfy nearly 98% of citywide drinking water deliveries. These sources include:
The Colorado River
The Colorado River watershed encompasses all or portions of seven states (Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, California, and Arizona) and the country of Mexico. Learn more about the Central Arizona Project, here: Central Arizona Project | Water Supply.
- 40% of current Phoenix Water drinking supply
- Delivered through the Central Arizona Project canal system
The Salt and Verde Rivers
The Salt and Verde River watersheds encompass 13,000 square miles in the eastern and north central portions of Arizona. Learn more about the Salt River Project, here: Salt River Project | Water Supply Sources.
- 58% of current Phoenix Water drinking supply
- Delivered through the Salt River Project canal system
For many years, Phoenix Water has been putting water in the bank. Phoenix Water delivers renewable surface water supplies to our customers so that groundwater can be saved for the future.
We’ve worked hard to protect local groundwater supplies so that they are available to protect against drought and a changing climate. Our efforts help ensure that our underground reservoir of groundwater – our water in the bank – is there when we really need it.
Groundwater currently makes up about 2% of Phoenix’s drinking water deliveries. While it is not a major portion of daily operations, groundwater is an important backup resource when surface water supplies face interruption or shortage.
The City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Water service area are located in the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA). The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) manages groundwater use in alignment with state regulations and regulates water providers.
As Phoenix water demand grows and existing water resource supplies become more vulnerable to drought-related shortages, reclaimed water will become an increasingly important component in Phoenix's water supply portfolio.
Reclaimed water and advanced water purification technologies are important for our community because they capture water more efficiently- instead of watching our water flow downstream, we will make the most of all that we have access to and restore our water for another use. There is no new water on Earth, and in Phoenix, we are building the technology and ability to produce Pure Water that meets or exceeds federal and local drinking water requirements.
Phoenix is developing its own Pure Water program, which allows reclaimed water to be treated to potable water standards. The first facility, the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant, is expected to be serving Phoenix Water customers by 2029.