Phoenix is prepared for Colorado River water cuts; are you?

Kesha Hodge Washington

Submitted photo/City of Phoenix

Tell Us What You Think

What are your thoughts on Arizona’s outcome in the 2027-28 Colorado River Operating Guidelines, which will bring significant water-delivery reductions to the state? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

Opinion

What the new Colorado River rules mean for Phoenix

Opinion

Water-saving tips for Phoenicians in face of likely Colorado River cuts

Water

Gilbert could move to Stage 2 water plan as Colorado River cuts loom

OPINION — On Aug. 21, the U.S. Department of the Interior finalized the 2027-28 Colorado River Operating Guidelines, outlining significant reductions to Lower Basin states’ (Arizona, California, and Nevada) water deliveries beginning in 2027.

Under this framework, Arizona faces a 760,000-acre‑foot reduction, part of broader cuts prompted by historic lows at Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
 
I want to assure Phoenix residents that this federal action does not immediately affect water service or require mandatory restrictions. Thanks to decades of planning and efforts to expand groundwater storage, diversify supplies and make major investments like Pure Water Phoenix, our city is prepared to manage these reductions while maintaining reliable service.
 
As Phoenix’s representative on the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association Board of Directors, I continue advocating for fair, basin‑wide responsibility and long‑term solutions that protect Arizona’s water future. I encourage residents to stay engaged and continue practicing everyday conservation as we navigate the path ahead.

Every drop of water matters, and sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest difference. I encourage Phoenix residents to schedule a free Water Saving Consultation through the Water Services Department, a personalized service that helps identify leaks, improve water efficiency and optimize your irrigation system. Not only can these simple improvements help conserve one of our most valuable resources, but they can reduce your monthly water bill.  

Protecting our water supply requires individual action and innovative partnerships. This year, I joined Mayor Kate Gallego at Fillmore Gardens to highlight new leak-detection technology that helps identify hidden leaks, saving thousands of gallons of water while improving maintenance efficiency for residents. Efforts like these, combined with resources available to homeowners, demonstrate how we can all play a role in building a more sustainable and water-wise Phoenix.

Learn about our long‑term planning, city programs, rebates and free consultations at Phoenix.gov/WaterFuture.

Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington represents District 8 on the Phoenix City Council. This was distributed as part of her newsletter. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.