Chandler is working to address future water needs. City officials want to be prepared in case of long-term shortages.
A work session discussion led the city to reviewing projects related to the improvement of storage capacity at the Bartlett Dam and the recharging of the local aquifer.
At a meeting scheduled for Feb. 20, the city intends to amend its water allocation policy adopted in 2015.
Simone Kjolsrud is the water resources manager for the city.
“Our surface water supplies come from the Salt and Verde River System, which is delivered through SRP canals; and we also receive Colorado River water, which is delivered through the Central Arizona Project canals," she said.
She also said she has observed people and their water use.
"We really have seen our residents try to get much, much more efficient with their water use. What we see is part of that is driven by just the natural trend toward more water-efficient appliances," she said.
The city says its drought management plan will be updated in the spring to match water supply expectations and correspond with other needs.
-
Entering the final year of her first term in office, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs called on state lawmakers to adopt a series of tax cuts that she says will benefit middle-class Arizonans. But those cuts don’t go far enough for the Republicans who control the state legislature. -
The proposals range from taking "no action" to a scenario that might result in water cuts to the lower basin states of California, Nevada and Arizona. One alternative developed in partnership with conservation groups would incentivize states and water users to proactively conserve the river. -
Tax cuts, affordability and data centers highlight Gov. Katie Hobbs’ agenda entering the final year of her first term in office as she prepares for a contentious reelection campaign. -
SRP senior hydrologist Stephen Flora said while the state is experiencing a mild La Niña weather pattern, the unpredictable climate in Arizona may bring unexpected conditions this winter. -
Environmental groups are sounding the alarm on various issues going into this year’s legislative session, and holding out hope for one area of potential bipartisanship.
