Scottsdale advances key water Initiatives to strengthen long-term supply

The city of Scottsdale continues to make measurable progress on five major initiatives designed to ensure a reliable and resilient water future, even as ongoing reductions to the Colorado River system are anticipated in the coming years.

Outlined in the Scottsdale Water Strategic Plan (2025–2030), approved by City Council in 2024, the initiatives focus on diversifying water supplies, strengthening infrastructure and improving system efficiency.

“Scottsdale has been planning for Colorado River reductions for years, and this progress reflects our commitment to staying ahead of those challenges,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “We are making strategic, data-driven investments to protect our water future while continuing to deliver reliable service to our community.”

Key Highlights

Groundwater Recovery Expansion
The city has completed one new production well and is developing three additional aquifer storage and recovery wells, expected to be operational by 2029. These efforts enhance drought resilience and provide greater flexibility in managing water supplies.

New Water Supply Development
The city continues to pursue long-term supply opportunities, including the proposed expansion of Bartlett Dam, which has entered the federal environmental review process. Scottsdale is also advancing groundwater acquisition efforts in the Harquahala Basin, with plans to transport that water through the Central Arizona Project canal to local treatment facilities.

Smart Meter Technology (AMI)
Scottsdale’s system-wide Automated Meter Infrastructure program is 78% complete, with more than 61,000 meters upgraded. Over 18,000 residents are now using the WaterSmart portal, and in 2025 alone, leak alerts helped customers prevent an estimated 35 million gallons of water loss.

Advanced Water Purification
Scottsdale has identified advanced purified recycled water (treating recycled water to drinking water standards) as a long-term strategy to offset anticipated reductions in Colorado River supplies. Since the adoption of the Scottsdale Water Strategic Plan, Scottsdale has embarked on Capital Feasibility and Operational Feasibility studies to better understand upfront and ongoing costs. Upon completion of the efforts, staff will return to Council within six to nine months with a complete cost analysis and recommendation.

North System Infrastructure Improvements
Ongoing evaluations are focused on increasing the city’s ability to move water from southern sources to northern Scottsdale, supporting future growth and improving system reliability.

Looking Ahead

While several initiatives remain in planning or development phases due to their scale, Scottsdale continues to see tangible progress, particularly in groundwater recovery and smart water technology. City staff will return to Council with additional recommendations as key studies are completed.

Scottsdale’s proactive approach ensures the city remains well-positioned to adapt to evolving water conditions while maintaining high-quality, reliable service for residents and businesses.