Salt River Project, the Bureau of Reclamation, the City of Peoria and 22 other partner cities and agencies are working to protect the future water supply by restoring storage capacity at Bartlett and Horseshoe reservoirs on the Verde River.

Over time, sediment buildup has reduced how much water these reservoirs can hold. A key solution being studied is the construction of a new, larger Bartlett Dam, which would help capture more water during wet years and provide a critical buffer during droughts.

If approved, the expanded Bartlett Reservoir could:
• Add enough water storage to serve 1 million households for a year;
• Support cities in managing droughts and climate shifts;
• Reduce dependence on groundwater and stressed Colorado River supplies.

The Bureau of Reclamation has started the official environmental review process required by federal law. As part of this phase, residents are invited to learn more and provide feedback during a 30-day public comment period, now through Aug. 13.

• July 28 – Virtual, 5:30 p.m. –7:30 p.m.
• July 29 – Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N. La Montana Dr., 5:30 p.m. –7:30 p.m.
• July 30 – Escalante Center, 2150 E. Orange St., Tempe, 5:30 p.m. –7:30 p.m.
• July 31 – Hampton Inn, 2 Easy St., Carefree, 5:30 p.m. –7:30 p.m.
• Aug. 1 – Virtual, 12–2 p.m.

To learn more about these meetings and submit comments, visit www.virtualpublicmeeting.com/vrsmp-fr-eis.