Phoenix Challenges Federal Water Plan As Colorado River Cuts Loom

PHOENIX, AZ — Phoenix says residents should not expect changes to their water service right now, even as the city prepares for possible cuts to its Colorado River supply.

City officials are pushing back against a newly released federal plan for managing the Colorado River after 2026, arguing that the proposal places too much of the burden on Arizona and other Lower Basin states. At the same time, Phoenix leaders say years of planning and conservation efforts have put the city in a strong position to handle reduced river deliveries.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation recently released its preferred framework for new Colorado River operating guidelines, known as the Post-2026 Operational Guidelines and Strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The plan outlines how the river could be managed after current rules expire, including potential reductions of up to 3 million acre-feet for Lower Basin states during shortages.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego criticized the federal approach, saying Arizona has already taken significant steps to conserve water.

"Solving the Colorado River crisis demands a fair, basin-wide solution in which every stakeholder is asked to sacrifice," Gallego said in a statement. "Instead, the federal government takes aim at Arizona and Lower Basin states even though we continue to do our part and conservation is a core part of our water culture."

Phoenix relies on the Colorado River for about 40% of its current drinking water supply through the Central Arizona Project. Another 58% comes from the Salt and Verde river systems, while about 2% comes from groundwater, according to the city.

Officials say Phoenix has spent decades preparing for Colorado River shortages through conservation programs, underground water storage, infrastructure investments and development of additional water supplies.

The city has stored about 700,000 acre-feet of water underground across the Phoenix and Tucson areas and operates roughly 20 groundwater wells. Phoenix also reuses reclaimed water for uses including irrigation, power production and environmental projects.

"Phoenix has prepared for this moment, and our customers can expect reliable water service," said Brandy Kelso, the city's water services director. "But preparation does not mean we can stand still."

Kelso said the city may eventually need to use some stored water, speed up investments in future supplies and continue encouraging residents to reduce water use.

For now, the federal announcement does not change water service for Phoenix residents. No mandatory restrictions are being put in place, and the city remains in Stage 1 of its Drought Management Plan.

That could change in the coming years. City officials said Phoenix could move into a Stage 2 Water Warning by the end of 2026, which could include expanded conservation efforts, increased incentives to reduce water use, formal requests for additional conservation and possible drought surcharges.

Officials say the goal is to maintain reliable water service while preparing for a changing Colorado River system.