The City of Phoenix provides drinking water to more than 1.5 million residents across a 540-square-mile service area. Committed to delivering the highest quality drinking water and service, Phoenix continuously invests in sustainable water management practices to ensure a clean and reliable supply for future generations.
A 100-Year Water Supply
Phoenix’s 2050 goal—a long-term commitment—is to secure a sustainable and reliable 100-year water supply. For over a century, the City has proactively developed critical infrastructure and water systems to support this mission. Through innovative conservation programs—such as its partnership with Water, Use It Wisely—Phoenix remains a national leader in water stewardship, focusing on three key action areas:
Groundwater Management
Supported by the nation-leading Groundwater Management Act of 1980, Phoenix is a net-positive contributor to groundwater. The City utilizes only two-thirds of its Colorado River allocation, directing the remaining one-third toward groundwater recharge to bolster long-term sustainability.
Wastewater Management
Phoenix recycles an impressive 90% of its wastewater for beneficial uses, including irrigation and cooling at the Palo Verde Nuclear Plant. Additionally, the City captures methane emissions from wastewater treatment and is developing a facility to generate renewable natural gas for use in vehicles.
Water and Wastewater Innovation
Recognized as a leader in water innovation, Phoenix has pioneered several key initiatives, including:
- The $6 million annual Colorado Water Resiliency Fund, ensuring long-term water security.
- The Tucson Exchange, where Phoenix stores water underground in Tucson for future use during dry years.
- The Tres Rios Wetlands, a constructed ecosystem that naturally filters treated wastewater before reintroducing it into the environment.
Looking ahead, Phoenix is focused on expanding storage capacity, upgrading infrastructure for resilience, and minimizing system leakage using cutting-edge water management strategies.
Ensuring Water Quality and Sustainability
Phoenix produces approximately 110 billion gallons of water annually and rigorously tests it for nearly 200 substances to meet and exceed government safety standards. The City has consistently surpassed Arizona’s sustainability requirements, significantly reducing groundwater use and securing a 100-year assured water supply, even under conditions of long-term drought and climate change.
Water Resources and Conservation
While Phoenix has maintained an ample water supply for many years, conservation remains a top priority. The City encourages residents to use water responsibly, emphasizing that Phoenix consumes the same total water volume today as it did in the 1950s, despite a significant population increase. Over the past 20 years, per-person water use has dropped by 20%, reinforcing Phoenix’s commitment to water efficiency.
Water Resource Planning for the Future
Phoenix’s diverse water portfolio, combined with efficient management and conservation efforts, helps minimize the impact of drought on residents. However, with population growth and climate change, the City remains proactive in securing its water future. The 2011 Water Resources Plan outlines strategies to mitigate risks and ensure long-term water sustainability through:
- The Colorado River Resiliency Fund, supporting strategic investments in water security.
- A regional partnership with Tucson, allowing for collaborative water storage and resource sharing during shortages.
Key Water Sustainability Initiatives
Colorado River Resiliency Fund
Established in 2014, this fund allocates an average of $5.5 million annually to strengthen Phoenix’s water security. It enables the City to:
- Share wells with local utility partners.
- Store unused Colorado River water in underground recharge facilities.
- Secure shortage-year lease options with higher-priority water rights holders.
By refinancing existing Water Services Department debt at lower interest rates, the fund serves as an insurance policy against future water shortages.
Phoenix-Tucson Water Storage Partnership
Through a groundbreaking agreement with Tucson and the Metropolitan Domestic Water Improvement District, Phoenix stores its unused Colorado River water in Tucson aquifers—preventing water loss and strengthening regional resilience. During shortages, Tucson will pump the stored water for local use, while Phoenix receives an equivalent supply from Tucson’s share of the Colorado River. This partnership ensures long-term reliability for both cities while improving groundwater conditions in Pima County.
Lake Pleasant Water Treatment Plant: Advancing Renewable Energy
Phoenix integrates sustainable practices into its water operations, including the installation of a 7.5-megawatt solar photovoltaic system at the Lake Pleasant Water Treatment Plant. This system generates 70% of the plant’s electricity needs, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while supporting clean energy innovation.
A Commitment to a Resilient Water Future
Phoenix remains at the forefront of sustainable water management, ensuring that residents, businesses, and future generations have access to a secure, high-quality water supply. Through innovation, conservation, and strategic planning, the City is adapting to climate challenges while continuing to lead the way in water stewardship and sustainability.