The Bureau of Reclamation is expected to release its post-2026 operating guidelines for the Colorado River soon, prompting Scottsdale to prepare for a thorough evaluation of the potential impacts on the city’s long-term water supplies. The decision will be analyzed by Scottsdale Water experts, given the complex framework of federal, state, and regional agreements that govern Colorado River operations.
Technical Review Process
Following the Bureau’s announcement, Scottsdale Water will conduct a comprehensive technical review to understand how the new guidelines will be implemented in conjunction with input from the State of Arizona, the Central Arizona Project, and other water management partners. Until this review is complete, the specific effects on Scottsdale’s water supplies will remain uncertain.
City Manager Greg Caton emphasized Scottsdale’s proactive approach, stating, “Scottsdale has planned for changing Colorado River conditions for decades.” He noted that the city has consistently avoided dependence on a single water source or solution, aiming to adapt its long-term strategy to provide a reliable supply for both residents and businesses.
Water Management Strategies
Currently, Scottsdale does not utilize its full entitlement from the Colorado River. Instead, the city stores thousands of acre-feet of available Central Arizona Project water underground through Arizona’s aquifer recharge program for future use. In recent years, Scottsdale has also voluntarily contributed thousands of acre-feet of water back to Lake Mead as part of a regional conservation effort aimed at protecting the Colorado River system.
In addition to these efforts, the city is enhancing its groundwater infrastructure to ensure the accessibility of stored supplies when required. One new groundwater well is nearing completion, while five additional wells are either under construction or undergoing rehabilitation. These developments will bolster Scottsdale’s capacity to recover approximately 280,000 acre-feet of long-term storage credits accumulated over the past several decades.
Comprehensive Water Strategy
Scottsdale employs a five-part water strategy that includes conservation and demand management, utilization of groundwater resources in Harquahala, evaluation of Pure Water initiatives, expansion of Bartlett Dam, and the development of additional long-term water supplies. This diversified approach has fortified the city’s water resilience, preparing it to respond effectively to evolving conditions in the Colorado River Basin.
Scottsdale officials will refrain from speculating on the impacts of the Bureau’s forthcoming decision until the technical review is finalized. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Source: City of Scottsdale
