Drought Preparedness

Stage 1 Drought Watch

June 17, 2022
Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps has declared a Stage 1 Drought Watch of the city’s Drought Management Plan. During Stage 1, Glendale will target a 5% water-reduction goal at municipal properties. The city is also asking residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water. There are no mandatory water restrictions for residents and businesses in Stage 1.

Stages of Drought PDF
Drought Stages Image

Glendale is prepared for drought!

The Southwestern United States, including Arizona, has been in a drought for more than 23 years. This has greatly impacted the Colorado River system including Lake Mead and Lake Powell. The Colorado River represents approximately 36% of Arizona’s collective water supply and approximately 40% of Glendale's water supply.  

Glendale has known for many years our Colorado River supplies could be cut and we have been preparing for this shortage for decades and will continue to do so. These preparations include:

  • Securing in a diverse and robust water portfolio that includes renewable surface water, groundwater, and reclaimed water supplies

  • Using reclaimed water to conserve potable water supplies

  • Decreased reliance on groundwater

  • Storing water underground for future use

  • Investing in infrastructure, including wells to pump groundwater when surface water supplies may be reduced
  • Supporting water conservation through ordinances and codes; developing conservation-based water rates; and offering an effective Water Conservation Program for people of all ages

While Glendale has a safe, secure, and reliable water supply now, we all need to continue to do our part to use water wisely. We know that water is precious in the desert and that every drop counts. Water conservation makes sense in the desert Southwest!

Colorado River Shortage Overview

On January 1, 2022, the federal government declared a first-ever Tier 1 shortage on the Colorado River, reducing the amount of water that Arizona receives from the river. Due to worsening drought conditions and overallocation of the river, the federal government declared a Tier 2A shortage on the Colorado River on January 1, 2023. In a Tier 2A shortage, Arizona's Colorado River supplies will be reduced by 592,000 acre-feet (21% of the state's annual allocation) in 2023. Glendale is prepared for the Tier 2A shortage and it will not impact our ability to meet the water needs of our customers.

Colorado River Shortage 2A FAQs

Community Corner: Being Water Smart

 

How to Help Out in the Drought Videos


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