Scottsdale prepared for drought with established water management plan

Scottsdale has long planned for drought conditions through its Drought Management Plan, a framework designed to guide the city’s response if regional water shortages affect supplies delivered through the Central Arizona Project canal system.

As conditions on the Colorado River continue to evolve, the city of Scottsdale wants residents to know there is a clear plan in place to manage water supplies and protect the community.

Water levels across the Colorado River Basin remain a key concern for communities throughout the Southwest. Reservoirs such as Lake Mead and Lake Powell continue to operate under drought conditions as regional water managers work to stabilize the system.

At the same time, the Bureau of Reclamation and the seven Colorado River Basin states are negotiating new water-sharing rules that will take effect after 2026 and determine how supplies from the Colorado River are allocated in the future.

Compounding the uncertainty, snowpack in the Colorado River headwaters during the 2025–2026 winter were significantly below average, which may result in reduced runoff flowing into the river system this year. While these regional developments are closely monitored, Scottsdale is taking steps to ensure the community is prepared.

Scottsdale’s drought response framework

Scottsdale’s most recent Drought Management Plan outlines a phased approach to responding to changing water supply conditions. The plan, which is currently being considered for revision, identifies actions the city can take to reduce demand, encourage conservation, and protect essential water services if reductions to Colorado River supplies occur.

The city manager has authority to implement initial response measures, as was done in 2022 when Scottsdale entered Drought Condition Stage 1, while more significant actions would require approval from the Scottsdale City Council.

Current planning assumptions suggest Colorado River supplies delivered through CAP will decline after 2026, the specific amounts dependent upon the outcome of federal decisions and basin-state negotiations.

Prepared to respond if needed

If drought conditions intensify, Scottsdale would activate a coordinated response led by the City’s Drought Management Team, a cross-departmental group that evaluates conditions and implements water-saving strategies.

Potential actions could include:

• Increased conservation outreach and public education
• Enhanced monitoring of water use
• Temporary limits on certain outdoor water uses
• Water shortage surcharges designed to encourage conservation
• Adjustments to discretionary water uses

Under more severe shortage conditions, the city’s top priorities would remain protecting public health, safety, and economic vitality while maintaining reliable drinking water service.

A long history of water planning

City officials emphasize that drought planning is not new for Scottsdale. The city maintains a diversified water portfolio that includes Colorado River water, Salt and Verde River supplies, reclaimed water and groundwater reserves stored for future use. Scottsdale also continues to make measurable progress on major initiatives designed to ensure a reliable and resilient water future.

“Scottsdale has prepared for drought for decades,” said Thyra Ryden-Diaz, Scottsdale Water’s interim senior director. “Our Drought Management Plan ensures we can respond responsibly while continuing to deliver reliable water service to our residents and businesses.”

Residents are encouraged to continue practicing water conservation and to stay informed as regional water negotiations and forecasts evolve.

More information about Scottsdale’s water resources and conservation programs can be found at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “water.”