Drought Pipeline Project Construction and Testing Completed

​The Drought Pipeline is now ready for service, bolstering our city’s resilience to drought. Construction and restoration for the Drought Pipeline Project, a complex and intricate system of pumps and waterlines, was completed in August 2023. The new nine-mile concrete and steel pipeline, which is now in service, can move 75 million gallons of water daily to North Phoenix. The final segment of pipe was installed at N 32nd Street & E Shea Boulevard in January 2023, and the pipeline had been undergoing testing since March 2023 to ensure seamless operation. 

"The completion of the Drought Pipeline Project is a significant milestone for our community, providing assurance for residents and businesses in the northern part of our city and reducing our dependence on the Colorado River," Mayor Gallego said. “We will continue to build upon our legacy of wise water stewardship to ensure a more sustainable future."

The $280 million project will give Phoenix the capability to move Salt and Verde River water to parts of the city where 400,000 people have relied on Colorado River water. The new infrastructure will be critical as drought, climate change, and increased demand lead to more shortages on the Colorado River.

"This project would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of our partners. We are grateful for their help in making this a reality," said Phoenix Water Services Director Troy Hayes. "This is a critical project, and we want to thank our community for their patience and understanding as we put this critical infrastructure into the ground."

The completion of the Drought Pipeline Project is the result of years of planning and collaboration among various stakeholders. Funding came from revenue generated by the 2019/2020 Phoenix City Council approved water rate increase. For more information about the project, please visit Drought Pipeline Project website.