Phoenix City Council Receives Update on Water Resources, Drought Preparedness and Long-Term Water Security

The Phoenix City Council today received a comprehensive update on the City’s water resources, drought preparedness efforts and long-term strategy to ensure reliable water service for residents and businesses.

Watch the council presentation here.

The presentation outlined how Phoenix manages its water supply, current conditions on the Colorado River and the proactive steps the City is taking to address ongoing drought and future uncertainty.

Phoenix water comes from a diverse mix of sources, including the Salt and Verde rivers, the Colorado River and groundwater. This diversified portfolio, combined with decades of planning and investment, has positioned the City to respond to changing conditions and maintain reliable service.

"Phoenix is not running out of water. We have planned for drought for decades, and we continue to invest in the infrastructure, conservation programs and water supplies needed to serve our community today and into the future," said Phoenix Water Services Director Brandy Kelso. "As conditions evolve, maintaining that reliability will continue to be a shared effort between the City and our customers."

City leaders emphasized that while Phoenix is well prepared, conditions on the Colorado River remain a concern. Prolonged drought and rising temperatures have reduced river flows, and new federal guidelines governing water use across the basin are expected in the coming years.

"The Colorado River is facing significant challenges, and the entire region must work together to adapt," said Phoenix Water Resources Management Advisor Max Wilson. "Phoenix has taken proactive steps to prepare, but continued collaboration, both regionally and within our community, will be essential to maintaining water reliability for our residents and economy."

Despite these challenges, Phoenix has made significant progress in reducing water use. Over the past several decades, water use per person has declined even as the city’s population has grown. Conservation programs, public education and efficiency improvements have played a key role in this achievement and will remain important as drought conditions persist.

The City has also invested in a range of strategies to strengthen water reliability, including:

• Storing unused water underground for future use
• Expanding infrastructure to move water across the system
• Developing additional groundwater capacity
• Investing in renewable surface water supplies
• Advancing Pure Water Phoenix, which will provide a new local, drought-resilient water source

In addition, the Council was introduced to the Secure Water Arizona Program (SWAP), a first-of-its-kind, voluntary water-sharing framework designed to support collaboration among water users across Arizona. The program would allow participants to work together to address shortages through mutually beneficial agreements, helping reduce risk across the system while maintaining local control.

Phoenix officials also discussed the City’s Drought Management Plan, which outlines a phased approach to balancing water supply and demand. The City is currently in Stage 1, focused on public awareness and conservation, and anticipates additional actions in the future as conditions evolve. As the plan progresses, residents and businesses may see expanded conservation efforts that support long-term water reliability.

Today’s discussion reflects Phoenix’s continued commitment to transparency, long-term planning and regional collaboration.

"Water security is essential to protecting public health, supporting economic growth and maintaining Phoenix’s quality of life," Kelso said. "Phoenix will continue to plan ahead, invest responsibly and work with regional partners and our community to ensure a sustainable water future."

For more information about Phoenix water resources and conservation programs, visit phoenix.gov/water.

Media Contacts:

Michael Gertzman
Sr. Public Information Officer
Phoenix Water Services
602-534-1209
michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov

Jimena Garrison
Public Information Officer
Phoenix Water Services
480-390-1933
jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov