Scottsdale evaluates regional water-sharing program

The city of Scottsdale is evaluating participation in the Secure Water Arizona Program (SWAP), a new voluntary framework designed to give Arizona communities additional options for managing potential future water-supply challenges.

For Scottsdale, SWAP is one of several emerging water solutions the city is evaluating as it continues to diversify its water portfolio and reduce its dependence on Colorado River supplies.

Several months ago, City Manager Greg Caton outlined a five-spoked approach to water security, with “Emerging Water Solutions” representing opportunities to identify new partnerships, technologies and approaches that could become part of Scottsdale’s water-supply strategy. SWAP is one example of that approach.

“Scottsdale’s water future isn’t going to depend on any single solution,” said Caton. “It’s going to be the result of multiple strategies working together. SWAP is one more potential solution to regional water cooperation.”

How could SWAP work?

SWAP is being developed by the cities of Phoenix and Tucson and could include several components:

• Emergency water reserve: A pool of water that could provide temporary assistance to a participating community experiencing an acute, short-term water-supply problem while a longer-term solution is developed.
• Voluntary water sharing: Participating communities and other water users could voluntarily make water available to one another through agreements designed to address short-term or anticipated shortages.
• Water supply projects: Participants could work together on conservation, storage, exchanges and other projects that preserve or develop water resources for future needs.
• Regional cooperation: Communities could establish relationships and potential agreements before a water emergency occurs, making it easier to work together if conditions become more challenging.

Another piece of a bigger strategy

Scottsdale has spent decades preparing for changes in Arizona’s water supplies through conservation and demand management, water reuse, groundwater management, underground storage, infrastructure investments and development of additional water supplies.

SWAP would be considered alongside those efforts, not as a replacement for them.

“Water security requires multiple strategies,” said Thyra Ryden-Diaz, interim senior director of Scottsdale Water. “Programs such as SWAP give us an opportunity to explore additional partnerships and tools that could complement the resources Scottsdale already has.”

Scottsdale is awaiting final language from Phoenix before determining whether participation makes sense for the city. Staff will review the proposed program’s governance, costs, legal requirements, emergency-reserve provisions and potential water-sharing opportunities. The city will provide additional information as its evaluation continues.