We live, work, build and prosper in a remarkable desert oasis, where water is and always has been a most precious commodity. This has been a central fact of life for as long as the Valley has been inhabited, and it is just as true when rain is plentiful as it is in times of drought. Realizing this, our forebears over the past 100 plus years have built the required infrastructure to manage available water supplies successfully and meet growing demand.

This infrastructure made the phenomenal economic growth of the Valley possible while preserving our quality of life. Water storage reservoirs on the Colorado, Salt and Verde Rivers and access to significant reserves of groundwater have allowed our region to thrive.

It is only prudent to recognize, however, that we are experiencing long term drought periods. To ensure that our water supply meets future needs, Valley leaders, water providers, businesses and residents must exercise the same foresight as our predecessors. We must continue to promote and improve water conservation practices, increase the efficiency of water use, support the recharge of renewable water and explore new water projects that will provide greater opportunities for recycling and reuse.

Sound business practices and responsible stewardship of our natural resources dictate that we foster a strong conservation ethic at all times, not just in times of drought. Valley governments and businesses have already demonstrated their commitment and ability to save significant amounts of water through innovative water management methods, comprehensive long-range planning and extensive demand-management efforts. As a result, during this most recent drought period, Valley water users were not subject to mandatory water use restrictions.

However, Valley water providers have continually promoted water conservation through public outreach and institutional and financial mechanisms, such as plumbing codes, rates and rebates. Over the past 25 years, these efforts have reduced per capita water use in the Valley by 21 percent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Business & Water

Q: How bad is our current drought?

A: Since 1995, the Valley has been weathering the longest drought in recent history, surpassing the previous “drought of record” at the turn of the 20th century. Even though 2005 was a damper year in respect to winter precipitation, the Colorado River reservoir remains below normal and one good year does not mean the current drought is over.

Q: Is the Valley better prepared for a prolonged drought than other metropolitan areas in the West?

A: Yes. The Valley’s water system has specifically been designed to provide a dependable water supply during prolonged periods of drought. Beginning with the creation of the Salt River Project (SRP) and continuing with development of the Central Arizona Project (CAP), Valley residents, cities and water providers have planned for drought and made significant investments in the water supply system. Through these efforts, the Valley is among the best prepared metropolitan areas.

Q: Will the Central Arizona Project meet our water supply challenges for the foreseeable future?

A: Yes. The CAP canal system is designed to deliver an average of 1.5 million acre-feet of Colorado River water per year. The best indications are that shortages in water supply are not expected in the near term. Over 400,000 acre feet of this supply is currently planned for recharge.

Q: Will water shortages in rural Arizona impact the Valley?

A: The water supply for the Valley is distinct from the water supply for rural Arizona. The Valley draws its water from the Colorado River through the CAP water system, surface water stored in large reservoirs on the Salt and Verde rivers, and locally pumped groundwater. Rural Arizona does not have the extensive storage infrastructure in place, resulting in a less reusable water supply, especially during a drought.

Q: If the drought continues, will mandatory water restrictions be imposed?

A: Valley cities have developed extensive water supply portfolios to prepare for sustained drought. If mandatory restrictions were imposed, they would first target outdoor water use, such as lawn watering and decorative fountains. Cities have been the first to cut back during this most recent drought before restrictions were imposed on Valley residents. Each city has a drought plan in place that specifies what actions will be taken to reduce water use as drought conditions worsen. These actions are typically in four stages, ranging from volunteer to mandatory measures.

Q: What is the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA) and how does it affect the business community?

A: The Phoenix AMA is a geographical area, designated by ground water sub-basins, in which there are management provisions that limit the use of groundwater and other water resources. One provision is the Assured Water Supply program, through which water providers must demonstrate that sufficient water supplies of adequate quality are available to meet a proposed development’s needs for 100 years.

Q: How can land developers, and ultimately the residents who rely on well water for their 100-year water supply, be confident that their wells will be a reliable, sustainable source of water?

A: Residents cannot rely solely on groundwater to prove an assured supply exists without joining the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District. The CAGRD was created in 1993 to assist members in replenishing groundwater through the recharge of renewable water, such as excess CAP water. Ultimately, a hydro geologic assessment will be necessary to ensure that groundwater is being recharged where it is being withdrawn.

Q: How do water costs in the Valley compare to costs in other Western cities?

A: Many factors are considered in determining the price we pay for water. The Valley is fortunate that much of the water infrastructure is new and does not yet need to be replaced, and that the initial capital costs of developing the SRP reservoir system have been paid in full. Consequently, water costs are relatively inexpensive and rank amongst the lowest not only in the West, but throughout the United States.

Q: What are some of the best ways for businesses to conserve water?

A: Simple plumbing changes, such as replacing old toilets and urinals with water efficient models and installing faucet aerators. Other conservation techniques include low water-use landscaping, cooling tower recycling systems, commercial vehicle wash water recycling and centralized master control systems for water management, and using reclaimed water instead of fresh water for landscaping, decorative fountains, cooling tower systems and air scrubbers.

Q: How much water does desert landscaping save compared to turf (grass) landscaping?

A: Properly managed desert landscaping can reduce outdoor water use by approximately 50 percent. On average, desert landscaping requires about 15 gallons per square feet annually. Bermuda grass that is overseeded with rye grass in the winter uses approximately 35 gallons per square foot, 27 gallons per square foot without over-seeding.

Managing Our Water Supply and Delivery

The two primary water sources are surface water and groundwater. Arizona is an arid state, consequently, watersheds that supply surface water to the Phoenix metropolitan area are much larger than the Valley as a whole. The Salt and Verde River watershed encompasses 13,000 square miles in the eastern and north central portions of Arizona. The Colorado River watershed, which supplies the CAP, encompasses much of the seven mountain states. Both watersheds are regenerated by precipitation, mainly in the form of mountain snow. Reservoir storage on the river systems help balance naturally occurring fluctuations in snowfall and runoff from year to year. Groundwater, which is found beneath the surface of the Valley, is regulated by law to ensure that it is not withdrawn faster than it can be replenished. In response to Arizona’s progressive groundwater laws, Valley cities and water providers have developed innovative programs and conservation measures to reduce groundwater depletion. As part of these efforts, the use of reclaimed water has increased and approximately 50 percent of the effluent currently produced in the Phoenix metropolitan area is now reused. Additionally, groundwater savings facilities, in which excess surface water is made available to people who would otherwise pump groundwater, have resulted in 1.1 million acre-feet of credits that can be recovered when needed. Two major water wholesalers, SRP and CAP, are responsible for delivering surface water from the Salt, Verde and Colorado Rivers to municipal water providers in the Valley. This is done through a network of reservoirs and canals. Over 150 municipal water providers, including both municipalities and investor-owned utilities, provide retail municipal water service to the Valley. Municipalities account for about 90 percent of this service, with the eight largest cities in the Valley providing most of the water.

What Will The Future Bring?

WATER RECLAMATION—As the Valley continues to grow, reclaimed water will be the only water source that we know for certain will increase. Reclaimed water is wastewater from homes and businesses and is typically treated to very high standards. Direct reuse involves delivering reclaimed water through a separate water system. This method is primarily used for large turf facilities including parks, golf courses and landscaping. Reclaimed water is also used for power plant cooling and agricultural irrigation. New infrastructure development will likely include a reclaimed water line alongside other utilities traditionally provided to businesses and residents.

WATER RECHARGE—Groundwater recharge is the process of replenishing natural underground aquifers. This is accomplished by either depositing water into spreading basins and allowing it to percolate through the earth or by injecting water directly into the aquifer through wells. The state of Arizona grants “water credits” to water providers that recharge the aquifer. These credits provide a strategic reserve for times of drought and may be recovered from wells when needed. Other methods for augmenting our water supply in the future may include desalination, which would make existing supplies of low-quality, brackish groundwater available for productive use. With technological advances, direct potable reuse may also become a viable alternative water source.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

It is our inherent responsibility to continue Arizona’s water legacy. The first step is to become aware. Educate yourself and those around you on ways to use water wisely. Make a commitment. Set water saving goals. Stay abreast of local and state issues that impact our water supply. Get involved in your community and its water conservation efforts. Water stewardship isn’t a choice — it’s a responsibility.