Mayor of Phoenix, Kate Gallego, has been recognized with the prestigious 2025 US Water Prize for her role in leading sustainable water management practices in America's fifth-largest city. The City of Phoenix announced that the award, given by the US Water Alliance, acknowledged Gallego's initiative and innovative approach towards water security, conservation, and resilience programs that she has implemented during her tenure.
Gallego's efforts include the $300 million Drought Pipeline Project, which seeks to reduce the city's reliance on the Colorado River by tapping into Salt and Verde River resources, as presented during the One Water Summit, where the award was formally bestowed on July 10. Also under her belt, the mayor played a pivotal role in obtaining $179 million in federal funding for Phoenix's Advanced Water Purification Facility as a part of the Inflation Reduction Act initiatives, which will produce a reliable water source for the city's residents and various sectors. "Water is at the forefront of every decision we make in Phoenix," Gallego told the City of Phoenix.
Mayor Gallego's administration has also pioneered one of the nation's most progressive Sustainable Desert City Development policies. Driving a reduction in residential water use, the policy mandates large-scale water consumers to implement use reduction and recycling practices. This comes in addition to the education campaigns, such as the Save Water Pledge and Water Conservation Incentives, which have significantly fostered a culture of conservation in Phoenix, despite the growing population.
Mayor Gallego has led Phoenix's involvement in regional water management efforts, including participation in Colorado River Basin agreements aimed at protecting Lake Mead. Her administration has also strengthened water-sharing agreements with tribal nations. In addition to securing long-term water sources, Gallego expanded affordability programs designed to help low-income residents reduce their water costs. “Phoenix exists in a desert, and we’ve embraced that reality by becoming one of the most water-conscious cities in the country,” Gallego said in a statement released by the City of Phoenix.
More information about the city’s effort and Mayor Gallego’s work in securing a sustainable future for Phoenix's water supply is available at the city's official water services portal. As for the US Water Prize, readers can learn more about the winners and their accomplishments at the US Water Alliance website.
