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Scottsdale weighs costly new water sources as Colorado River allocation faces 17% cut
Scottsdale expects a 17% reduction in its Colorado River water supply as soon as January, but officials say the city’s unused allocation should prevent an immediate effect on residents. Longer-term options could require major infrastructure spending—and potentially higher water rates.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The city expects its Colorado River water supply to shrink by 17% as soon as January, prompting officials to consider new sources and infrastructure. Scottsdale leaders say residents are unlikely to notice an immediate change because the city currently uses less than its full allocation.
“We have a lot of water. Our taps are not running dry,” City Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas said.
At a City Council meeting this week, officials discussed ways to secure additional supplies. The options range in estimated cost from a few million dollars to hundreds of millions, and could affect customers’ bills. “That means water rates may go up because we are going to have to put in infrastructure,” Councilwoman Maryann McAllen said.
Near-term plans under consideration include expanding a pumping station and bringing water from the Harquahala Basin, about 60 miles west of Phoenix. Both would require new infrastructure.
Scottsdale has been in Stage 1 drought status since 2021. Under that designation, the city encourages conservation but does not require it.
For the longer term, Councilwoman Solange Whitehead is advocating for turning treated wastewater into drinking water, a process often called “toilet-to-tap.” The infrastructure is not funded in the city’s current budget.
“There is no silver bullet. There is silver buckshot. We’re going to need this water and this water and this water,” Whitehead said.
Resident Doug Kobrick said the city needs to pursue new approaches. “The status quo that we’ve really enjoyed for several decades is over, and we’re in a new and challenging era,” he said.
The expected reduction may not immediately translate into less water at household taps, officials say, but the proposed projects signal the cost and planning challenges ahead as Scottsdale looks to maintain supplies over the long term.