🌵 Glendale’s Drought Plan: How the City Is Safeguarding Your Water Supply
For over two decades, the Colorado River has been shrinking due to prolonged drought conditions. With Arizona now under a Tier 1 shortage from the Colorado River, many Glendale residents are asking what this means for their water supply.
The good news is that Glendale is prepared.
💧 We’re Built for This
Glendale has spent years planning for drought. The city uses a diverse water supply that includes:
Surface water from the Colorado, Salt, and Verde rivers
Groundwater stored in underground aquifers
Reclaimed water used for parks and landscaping
Because of this long-term strategy, Glendale can fully meet customer demand even with the reduced allocation from the Colorado River.
🚨 What Stage 1 Means
In June 2022, Glendale entered Stage 1 of its Drought Management Plan. This stage, known as a Drought Watch, calls for:
A voluntary 5 percent reduction in water use by residents and businesses
A mandatory 5 percent reduction in water use by city departments
There are no mandatory restrictions for the public at this stage, but everyone is encouraged to conserve water whenever possible.
📘 A Smart and Flexible Drought Plan
Glendale’s Drought Management Plan includes five stages, ranging from Normal Conditions to Emergency. Each level outlines specific actions based on water supply conditions.
The plan includes both supply and demand strategies such as:
Adjusting water sources based on availability
Promoting efficient outdoor watering
Limiting non-essential uses like decorative fountains
Applying drought surcharges for high water use
Offering rebates and education to support conservation
These actions are designed to maintain public health, avoid service interruptions, and keep the community informed and engaged.
🌿 How You Can Help
Every Glendale resident has a role to play in water conservation. The city offers resources and rebates to help you:
Repair leaks inside and outside the home
Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures and appliances
Adjust your irrigation system to use water more wisely
Learn about smart landscaping and other conservation tips
Glendale’s approach emphasizes shared responsibility. Everyone’s participation matters in keeping our water supply secure.
🌄 Moving Forward Together
The drought is serious, but so is Glendale’s response. Thanks to decades of planning and smart infrastructure investments, the city is well positioned to continue delivering reliable water service.
Now more than ever, being water wise is a community effort. By working together and staying informed, we can all help protect Glendale’s water future.
Learn more about how the City of Glendale is approaching water conservation at GlendaleAZ.com
