Phoenix ensures water security

PHOENIX, AZ – The City of Phoenix emphasized that following the most recent release of the Active Management Area (AMA) Groundwater Model, the local Water Utilities Department will continue to emphasize that water security will remain intact due to its diversified portfolio and long-term planning.

It is important to note that although the Phoenix AMA is named after the city, the area is very large and encompasses all of Maricopa County and parts of Pinal County. However, the model, presented by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, has sparked debates about Phoenix’s water resources.

The Groundwater Model provides valuable information on groundwater use projections and indicates a projected groundwater shortage of 4.9 million acre-feet over the next 100 years in the Phoenix AMA. However, the Model does not include projections on the availability of any other types of water, including water from rivers and streams and reclaimed water.

While the results of the study are important for understanding the groundwater situation, the City noted that it is crucial for Phoenix Water customers and stakeholders to know that the City’s water security will not be affected.

Groundwater plays a minimal role in Phoenix’s overall water consumption, accounting for only 2% of the city’s total water consumption each year. The remainder of Phoenix’s water supply comes from renewable resources, such as the Salt, Verde, and Colorado rivers. The city also reuses more than 95% of its reclaimed water.

“Ensuring our continued water security is a top priority, and I have the utmost confidence in the City of Phoenix’s water resources planning and resiliency,” said Mayor Kate Gallego.

The Assured Water Supply (AWS) program is the cornerstone of Phoenix’s water management efforts. All ten cities in the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) have a 100-year assured water supply designation, demonstrating their ability to meet current and future demands, including growth.