Water Resources
Colorado River Shortage
Scottsdale monitors the possibility of further reductions to the state’s water supply from the Colorado River. These measures are due to historic drought, climate change, and over-allocation, where conditions on the Colorado River are worsening quicker than anticipated, bringing challenges and new pressures to water utilities across Arizona. To ensure the reliability of Scottsdale’s water supply, the city continues to plan for a future with less water and evaluate what additional steps will be necessary with deeper levels of shortage.
Water Conservation - Audits & Rebates
Scottsdale Water’s rebate program has been helping residents permanently reduce water use for almost three decades. The program includes rebates for the installation of certain WaterSense products and for the removal of water-intensive features like grass, pools and spas, and water softeners.
Sustainable Water Supplies
Scottsdale recognizes that every drop of water is precious in the desert. Prior to the mid-1980s, Scottsdale relied almost entirely on groundwater for its water supply. Today, about 90 percent of our drinking water comes from two renewable surface water sources: the Central Arizona Project and the Salt River Project. Learn more about Scottsdale’s progressive projects and plans to assure the stability of the community’s long-term water, while also minimizing our water use.
Recycled Water
The Scottsdale Water Campus is home to the Advanced Water Treatment Plant, one of the most sophisticated recycled water facilities in the world and the first permanent facility in Arizona – and only the third in the nation – to be permitted for direct potable reuse.
Residential Water Use
Scottsdale provides resources for residents to help save water. Read more about mini-irrigation checks to keep your water use down, smart irrigation controllers, how to find and fix leaks, water saving tips for pools and landscape and water-efficiency workshop.
Stormwater Quality Annual Report
The City’s Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) describes the programs and activities implemented to help reduce pollution associated with stormwater runoff and non-stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practicable.