Lake Mead is a vital source of water for the state of Arizona, but due to 19 years of severe drought and increasing temperatures as a result of climate change, Lake Mead's water elevation is reaching historic low levels. Read more about Arizona's water reclamation and reuse at WateReuse Arizona. Water in Arizona Arizona's future depends on sustainable water supplies, which in turn depend on vigilant and innovative management of those supplies. Colorado River Water. Protecting Arizona's Water Supplies for Its Next Century Strategic Vision for Water Supply Sustainability. After a decade, the 2011 projection has shown to be overly optimistic. Voters approved a bond process to purchase the ranch in 2005, expected to significantly supplement the water supply. 2000-2050 0 2000 2025 Year 2050 50,000 100,000 150,000 Acre Feet 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000 Groundwater Supplies Surface . Through advocacy, issue committees, events and awards, Arizona Forward helps unite and elevate Arizona's water community to provide the leadership that develops innovative solutions to Arizona's future. A community near Scottsdale will soon lose its sole source of water. Doug Ducey and a top leader in the state Legislature on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, filled in a key part of a developing plan to boost the desert state's increasingly strained water supply . • Arizona is currently below 1957 water usage levels due to . For now, water managers across the west are watching the fate of Carlsbad to determine the future of U.S. desalination projects. The 2050 goal, essentially a perpetual one, is to provide a clean and reliable 100-year supply of water. The two reservoirs on the Colorado . Resnick and Kyl discuss how the State must act now to ensure a sufficient water supply in the future. It supplies 40% of the water that Arizona receives from the Colorado River. The Salt and Verde water comes from the forests of northern and eastern Arizona traveling 150 miles from the forest to the valley. Plan to limit groundwater pumping to the amount that nature replaces in our water table each year through rain and snowmelt 3. Back to Spring 2014 Newsletter by Jeff Tannler, Active Management Area Director, Arizona Department of Water Resources Arizona has been successful in managing its water resources for over a century. That's because SRP, Valley cities, the Central Arizona Project (CAP) and the Arizona Department of Water Resources are working together to track drought conditions and plan for a reliable water future. Arizona Department of Water Resources 1110 W. Washington St. Suite 310 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 Phone: 602.771.8500 | Fax: 602.771.8678. Especially from our Midwest and Northwest clients. TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - Gov. Learn more about Flagstaff's Adequate Water Supply Designation. Arizona Forward's Role. Both rely on the Colorado River more than any other water source, and Arizona stands to lose roughly one-third of its supply. But here in Pinal County the bread and butter is cotton and hay—thirsty crops that help make agriculture the state's largest consumer of water. Flagstaff's Future Water Demands New Demands = 7,700 to 16,500 acre-feet per year. Cragin Reservoir looks more and more like a stroke of genius as the state's 20-year mega-drought continues "Our goal, secure Arizona's water future for the next one hundred years," the Governor said in his eighth and final state of the state address on January 10, 2022. 1 Acre-Foot = Approximately 1 football field filled 1 foot deep with water. Arizona has the right to use 2.8 million acre feet annually of Colorado River water. Future warming is projected to produce more severe droughts in the region, with further reductions in water supplies. Together, we're securing access to multiple water supplies, storing water underground, creating new . In future water-supply battles between agriculture and cities, cities are always going to win. The Arizona Department of Water Resources prepares an Arizona Drought Preparedness Annual Report that covers the drought conditions and preparedness activities for the water year. The 'Sunday Square Off' panel debates whether the big ideas to create more water would really work. More than 80% of the state's population live in Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties, where CAP water is delivered. Water conservation and knowledge are both critical to the state's wellbeing. Steve Goldstein . Arizona, Nevada and Mexico have voluntarily given up water under a drought contingency plan for the river signed in 2019. The goal is to keep water levels at Lake Powell high enough to support power generation at the lake's Glen Canyon Dam and future water supplies to Lake Mead. The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) Assured and Adequate Water Supply programs were created to address the problem of limited groundwater supplies in Arizona. If the city cannot provide an assured water supply, those future subdivisions will have to enroll in the CAGRD, which will have to find 127,000 acre-feet of additional surface water annually to . Future Water Supplies for Central Arizona, Sponsored by Arizona State University's Global Institute of Sustainability in coordination with the University of Arizona's Water Resources Research Center's Conference: Providing Water to Arizona's Growing Population: How Will We Meet the Obligation?1 (draft 6/13/2006) Jim Holway Peter Newell . Unfortunately, even these two rivers face significant challenges in the immediate future. "Big semiconductor plants, cloud servers, databases, warehouses — all of this coming in, it does create competition against agriculture," said . The new policy proposal calls for an increase in the city's withdrawal from the Little Chino Aquifer to supply thousands of acre-feet of . Both the Assured and Adequate Water Supply programs evaluate the availability of a 100-year water supply considering current and committed demand, as well as growth projections. . "Desalination is in our future," said Thomas Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources. New solar installations, electric vehicle . Tucson's water supply is abundant! Since the 1950s, the . The answer is no. In Flagstaff, city staff is continuing progress on acquiring water from Red Gap Ranch 40 miles east of the city. Residential wells are going dry in Willcox. For Western states, this means cuts. Come shortages, more will have to go to municipal use. Queen Creek's utility director, Paul Gardner, says the community has a 100-year supply of . Arizona leads the nation with rigorous water conservation efforts, and because of the 1980 Groundwater Management Act , Arizona has the legal and physical infrastructure that maintains a 100-year assured water supply to meet the current and future needs of residents and industry. The state's unused share was being consumed primarily by California, which was . Arizona sits atop an estimated 600 million acre-feet of brackish water. The 50,000 acre-feet recharge level was first mentioned in a 2004 city of Tucson 100-year water plan. From water supply projects, to innovative programs including drought preparedness, underground water storage, 100-year water supply requirements, mandatory conservation programs and use of reclaimed water, we lead the nation in comprehensive water supply management. "For planning purposes, it is conservatively estimated that Tucson Water can withdraw 50,000 . Arizona Gov. Arizona is one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. with a population that will increase by another 5 million people by 2050. When it comes to urban water security, Tucson, Arizona has more in common with cities in Mexico and Argentina than one might expect. Phoenix Channel 12 News, Sunday Square Off with Brahm Resnick discusses Arizona's water future with his panel including DCDC director, Dave White . It's important to know that Tucson is uniquely situated to manage Colorado River shortages now and in the future "Protecting and enhancing Arizona's water supplies for current and future generations." Arizona Department of Water Resources: Online Payment: Please complete this form if you would like to submit a payment: . November 20,2014. water from Arizona watersheds.13 2. . Even as more people and companies flock to the state for its climate and economic opportunities, Arizona's water supplies are facing historic shortages. . Anthem . Read more about the "One Water" concept by checking out the Water Research Foundation's 2017 Blueprint for One Water. Protecting & enhancing Arizona's water supplies for current and future generations. The Central Arizona Project By the middle of the twentieth century, it became clear that Arizona's burgeoning population centers would need more water. Source: ADWR, 2012 . effective path to a stable water supply for the decades ahead. TUCSON (KVOA)-- Arizona has been in a state of drought for two decades. "Arizona's annual gross domestic product, nearing $380 billion, has more than doubled since 2000. Listen to Water Resources Manager Erin Young's 9/17 KNAU interview on our future water supply options. The "Water Bank" is an insurance policy against future Colorado River shortages. The landmark legislation helped lay the foundation for monitoring and regulatory initiatives to preserve a dependable water supply for future generations. Planning for a Sustainable Arizona Water Future: Arizona is a visionary of water planning and management. The water comes from the C.C. The conclusion for all three: there's more water insecurity than security.. Roughly half is expected to come from a state grant, the Central Arizona Project, the irrigation districts and a redirected pump tax, the . The project is estimated to cost roughly $50 million. The water forecasters say Arizona's water supply will run short of demand in the near future. The Colorado River is Arizona's largest renewable water supply. By 2060, Arizona could be home to an additional 6 million people. . Some 70 percent of Arizona's water is used to support agriculture. Lake Mead, a significant source of water for Arizona, is already in shortage and . Phoenix is committed to providing the highest quality drinking water and service to our customers. In last year's budget, Arizona invested $200 million in the water technology of the future, including $160 million for large, statewide water augmentation projects. Where Will It Come From. Surface water includes . "Protecting and enhancing Arizona's water supplies for current and future generations." Assured/Adequate Water Supply - Issued determinations. Read more about the "One Water" concept by checking out the Water Research Foundation's 2017 Blueprint for One Water. About Us . Both the Assured and Adequate Water Supply programs evaluate the availability of a 100-year water supply considering current and committed demand, as well as growth . Doug Ducey says he is ready for desalination to augment Arizona's water supply, which has taken a big hit during a prolonged drought. The nearly $20 million facility has 19 infiltration basins covering more than 200 acres. Water supplies are a limited resource in this arid state, and as the population grows and drought and climate change . Statewide Context Arizona Water Supply and Demand County and AMA boundaries (WRRC 2021). In last year's budget, Arizona invested $200 million in the water technology of the future, including $160 million for large, statewide water augmentation projects. Arizona uses water from the Colorado River and groundwater but has seen increased reclaimed water supply and surface reservoirs. . In late 2016, the state formed a committee to study the feasibility of desalination for a region with rising population and droughts exacerbated by climate . The water forecasters say Arizona's water supply will run short of demand in the near future. The agreement aims to add 500,000 acre-feet of additional water to Lake Mead in both 2022 and 2023 by facilitating actions to conserve water across the Lower Colorado River Basin. The 'Sunday Square Off' panel debates whether the big ideas to create more water would really work. Colorado River Water. In times of drought, stress on those rivers increases. Flagstaff's Utilities Director . Mohave, La Paz and Yuma county water users rely on Colorado River as their principal water supply. In 2022, Arizona will implement the largest cuts, losing 20% of its Colorado River water. The water-abundant and thriving Gila River Indian Community amounts to one bookend scenario of Arizona's 21 st century condition. The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) Assured and Adequate Water Supply programs were created to address the problem of limited groundwater supplies in Arizona. As Arizona prepares for a hotter, drier future in the face of continued drought and the impacts of climate change on the state's water supply, significant challenges remain. To remedy this issue, the government has various compacts and strategies in the area to help preserve enough water for future generations. Listen to Water Resources Manager Erin Young's 9/17 KNAU interview on our future water supply options. Read more about Arizona's water reclamation and reuse at WateReuse Arizona. Arizona has the right to use 2.8 million acre feet annually of Colorado River water. Both the Assured and Adequate Water Supply programs evaluate the availability of a 100-year water supply considering current and committed demand, as well as growth projections. The project will include 26 miles of pipeline from the Initially established in 1996, it can be seen as a proactive response to Arizona's fear that its Colorado River entitlement was at risk of being permanently lost to other states. The scarcity of water in the state is pitting small towns against fast-growing metropolitan communities. A Letter from Tucson Water Director Tim Thomure - January 2019 Dear Tucson Water Customers, There has been a lot in the news lately about a shortage on the Colorado River: when it will happen, what it means for Tucson, and what the state is doing to prepare for it. Tucson Arizona has plenty of water right now and for the foreseeable future. The other bookend is the arid Rio Verde Foothills, where government decisions and meteorological disruptions trap residents in a water-related crisis that heat and drought aggravated . CAP is designed to bring water from the Colorado River to Central and Southern Arizona every year. As a result of having one of the most arid climates in the United States, Arizonans have faced challenges in ensuring that there are sufficient, secure and sustainable water supplies available. Larson said a more cost-effective solution would be for California to use the desalinated water generated by the plants and leave more water in the Colorado River for Arizona to use. The watershed encompasses 8.3 million acres. Arid Arizona is Growing and Water is Limited. The Prescott City Council is responding to a growing population and new housing developments by proposing a new water policy to provide water for the city's population of 43,314 and its future residents. Search. The Granite Reef Underground Storage Project, a water bank located east of Phoenix. The Arizona Department of Water Resources is the steward of Arizona's water future and ensures long-term, reliable water supplies to support the continued economic prosperity of the State. Arizona farmers struggling to grow crops because of drought conditions now have another challenge — tech companies that also rely on large amounts of water are expanding throughout the state. Arizona Department of Water Resources 1110 W. Washington St. Suite 310 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 Phone: 602.771.8500 | Fax: 602.771.8678. According to research undertaken by faculty in the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture at the University of Arizona and published earlier this year in . Arizona Project (CAP) is Arizona's single largest resource for renewable water supplies. The agreement aims to add 500,000 acre-feet of additional water to Lake Mead in both 2022 and 2023 by facilitating actions to conserve water across the Lower Colorado River Basin. Taking action to address them is the only way to protect Arizona's water supplies for its current and future citizens," said the report, prepared by ASU's Kyl Center for Water Policy . We accomplish this through action: Encouraging collaboration among civic and business organizations. A 22-year megadrought and growing demands across the Colorado River Basin have depleted the river, pushing Western reservoirs to historic lows and triggering the first-ever federally declared water shortages. Concentrate on physical water supplies, not "water credits" 2. This water is about 30% of the water that flows though the CAP canals and represents about 18% of Arizona's Colorado River supply. The plan was adopted in 2004 and its continued implementation was ordered in 2007 (EO2007-10). This range was determined by: To remedy this issue, the government has various compacts and strategies in the area to help preserve enough water for future generations. AZ Central case studies report that San Pedro has seen a 70% decrease in its base flow since 1940. "Protecting and enhancing Arizona's water supplies for current and future generations." Arizona Department of Water Resources: Online Payment: Please complete this form if you would like to submit a payment: . — As a result of anticipated population growth, annual water demand in Arizona will increase 1.2 million to 1.6 million acre . The same study found that the Verde River, which relies on groundwater to flow all year, has been losing anywhere between 5,400 to 8,600 acre-feet of water a . However, a question about the City of Tucson water supply and availability is a frequently heard. "Protecting and enhancing Arizona's water supplies for current and future generations." Assured/Adequate Water Supply - Issued determinations. The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) Assured and Adequate Water Supply programs were created to address the problem of limited groundwater supplies in Arizona. Sarah PorterMarch 16, 2017Is desalination the answer to Arizona's future water supply challenges?According to the expert panelists at last week's Kyl Center for Water Policy Leaders Roundtable, desalinated water is not likely to become Arizona's next major water supply, but it may become a bigger part of some Arizona communities' water portfolios.The Kyl Center's Leaders Roundtable . WRDC concluded that without proactive and localized water management strategies future water supply and demand imbalances may exist throughout the state, and . The federal government declared a water shortage for much of the Southwest last week, resulting in the first ever mandatory cutbacks for some who draw from the Colorado River. Upon review, Gammage's report found that 1.87 million acre-feet of water per year is a better target for a sustainable water supply. As two decades of drought, increased demand and climate change cut deep into the West's water supply, the region is looking ahead to a future where supplies might drop further still. Future water scarcity will be compounded by the region's rapid population . Search form. . Mohave, La Paz and Yuma county water users rely on Colorado River as their principal water supply. Later this century, when greater Phoenix is likely to really feel the squeeze, the city will allocate so that agriculture . Arizona's top water officials spoke to the manufacturing community Wednesday about what's being done to protect the state's water supplies for future growth in this new era of climate change . Doug Ducey says he's all in for desalination to augment Arizona's water supply which has taken a big hit during the prolonged drought. • Excess Central Arizona Project Water • Agricultural Colorado River Water • Tribal Colorado River Water Tucson Airport Remediation Ground Water Other Reclaimed How Much Will We Need. What is Phoenix doing to insure our water supply for the future? Booming Arizona Must Confront its Water Problem. More than 70 percent of the city's water supply comes from the Chattahoochee River Basin, with the rest coming from smaller river systems. The Colorado River is Arizona's largest renewable water supply. 1 Acre-Foot = 325,851 gallons. Cragin Reservoir that was acquired by the Salt River Project. Water conservation and knowledge are both critical to the state's . "Farms use as much as 8 feet [of water] per . Phoenix gets less than eight inches of rainfall each year; most of the water supply for central and southern Arizona is pumped from Lake Mead, fed by the Colorado river over 300 miles away. For the first time in the modern history of the Colorado River, a water shortage will likely be declared at Lake Mead. Nevada will lose 21,000 acre-feet, and Mexico will . 0 2,000,000 4,000,000 6,000,000 8,000,000 10,000,000 . Arizona Department of Water Resources 1110 W. Washington St. Suite 310 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 Phone: 602.771.8500 | Fax: 602.771.8678. Municipalities throughout the state are in various stages of strategic planning. Payson's 20-year struggle to secure a "forever" water supply stored in the C.C. Tucson, Ariz. (Cold News 13) — Gov. Arizona water supply comes from a diverse portfolio featuring the Colorado River, groundwater, in-state rivers, and reclaimed water. . A shortage declaration would subject the two U.S. states to their first mandatory reductions. The city of Phoenix provides drinking water to more than 1.5 million people within our 540 square-mile service area. ADWR Strategic Plan and Annual Reports We're prepared. Arizona gets a hefty 38 percent of its water from the Colorado River, and with water from the river running low, the state is expected to face some tough choices in the future. With the expectation of about 8.5 million people living in Greater Phoenix in 2050, Gammage said that if no changes were made to the system . Arizona Department of Water Resources 1110 W. Washington St. Suite 310 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 Phone: 602.771.8500 | Fax: 602.771.8678. - Linda Stitzer, Senior Water Policy Advisor. Tucson Water's Recommendations 1. While the rest of the state is dealing with water shortages, one town in Arizona will soon have a water supply that it calls a "forever" source.20 years and $54 million later, Payson has a reliable water source for its residents. PHOENIX — Arizona was once in a great spot when it came to conserving water, but a drastic population growth has pushed the state into what experts say is an era of limits. Arizona's future water shock The water-abundant and thriving Gila River Indian Community amounts to one bookend scenario of Arizona's 21 st century condition. "Our goal is to secure the future of Arizona's water for the next hundred years," the governor said in his eighth and final State of the Union address on January 10 . If the current anticipated Tier 1 cuts occur in 2022, Arizona will further reduce its water use from the river to 512,000-acre feet. The other bookend is the arid Rio Verde Foothills, where government decisions and meteorological disruptions trap residents in a water-related crisis that heat and drought aggravated, and state law did not anticipate. In our varied landscapes, from low deserts to high mountains, counties and . It was constructed alongside the Central Arizona Project canal, and a pipe delivers 300 cubic-feet-per-second of Colorado River water a day to fill the basins. Gilbert receives Salt and Verde river water supplies from both the Salt River Project (SRP) and the Roosevelt Water Conservation District (RWCD). Arizona is expected to lose 512,000 acre-feet of water, about one-fifth of the state's Colorado River supply but less than 8% of its total water. There is absolutely no water shortage in Tucson AZ! The completion of the Central Arizona Project (CAP) in the early 1990s brought a large, renewable supply of water to The future of Arizona is dependent on water . Arizona's Future Water Shock. As part of DCP, Arizona formalized the already existing practice of water users .