Chandler City Council's recent work session revealed the city's deep dive into water resource management and policy changes to handle expected shortages. Drawing from a mix of sources, Chandler sources its water from a combination of supplies: 57% comes from the Salt and Verde rivers, 37% from the Colorado River, and 6% from groundwater sources, according to a recent report.
The city is exploring changes to its water allocation policy to better address the challenges posed by a changing climate. During a recent workshop, the council discussed plans to increase investments in Bartlett Dam's storage capacity and improve the flexibility of water resource management. These efforts aim to ensure a stable water supply while safeguarding the aquifers that provide 6% of the city's water. In the coming months, the city's drought management plan will be updated to reflect expected variations in water supply, with a focus on optimizing the use of reclaimed water and landscaping. The criteria for escalating drought response stages will also be adjusted.
Chandler is also focusing on conservation initiatives in addition to infrastructure improvements. The council is offering incentives for residents to replace grass with more drought-tolerant landscaping and to adopt more efficient irrigation practices. The city also utilizes a robust reclaimed water system, using treated water for industrial cooling and irrigation, helping to reduce reliance on fresh water sources.
Residential use accounts for approximately 57% of Chandler's water supply, with the remaining portion allocated to various non-residential needs. This reflects the shared responsibility among all residents, whether at home or in industry, in discussions about water conservation. The city council's upcoming meeting on February 20 will address potential changes to the water allocation policy established in 2015. Initially developed with expectations of ample water resources, the policy is being reassessed in response to the challenges posed by Arizona's evolving climate. Chandler is adjusting its urban planning efforts to align with the goal of long-term sustainability.
