Scottsdale, Ariz. (Nov. 1, 2021) – In response to the water supply shortage on the Colorado River and the activation of Stage One of Scottsdale’s Drought Management Plan, Scottsdale Water will stop water hauling services for customers residing outside the city’s boundary.
Customers who currently utilize these services will receive letters from the utility stating that they must provide proof of residency, or business location, within city limits and the reason for the hauling. The address will be verified through the utility as not having active water service at the property. Those who cannot provide proof will forfeit rights to the city’s resource.
The decision comes as the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation declared a Tier 1 Shortage on the Colorado River basin, reducing the city’s water supply through the Central Arizona Project (CAP). This activated Stage One of Scottsdale’s Drought Management Plan which states, “Scottsdale’s commercial and residential fill station shall be shut down or restricted at this stage. Any water hauling operations will cease unless the water hauling customer, whether residential or commercial, can prove indisputably that the hauled water is being supplied directly to a city of Scottsdale resident or business.”
Residents within the city’s limit will not see a reduction in their water supply; instead, residents are asked to voluntarily reduce their usage. “The situation on the Colorado River is not expected to improve anytime soon, so Scottsdale must ensure that we maintain every drop we have for our residents,” said Scottsdale Water Executive Director Brian Biesemeyer.
Some residents in Rio Verde and Rio Verde Foothills have been using Scottsdale’s water hauling station as their primary water supply. While the city’s Drought Management Plan is already in effect, officials are giving non-resident water haulers an additional year to find their own water supply – something the utility has encouraged the surrounding neighbors to do for several years.
Any customer receiving direct notice will have until August 1, 2022, to verify residency and prevent interruption in service. Water hauling for those unable to prove residency will cease at the end of December 2022.
Photo: Scottsdale city boundaries are outlined on map. Customers inside the City's limits will still be able to receive water hauling services.
