The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has released its 24-month study and declared the Colorado River will return to a Tier 1 Shortage in 2024.
A Tier 1 Shortage means Arizona will have access to slightly more Colorado River water in 2024 than under the current Tier 2a Shortage that has been in effect for 2023. However, it is still less water than the amount Arizona has historically received. Per the city’s Drought Management Plan, Glendale will remain in Stage 1 – Drought Watch. For reference, Stage 1 was declared on June 17, 2022, in response to the first-ever Tier 1 Shortage declaration on the Colorado River.
The favorable conditions on the Colorado River system allowed Colorado River surface water users some respite; however, Glendale understands the importance of preparing for a drier, hotter climate with less Colorado River water and continuing to develop plans and long-term projects to ensure the stability of the system.
Over the past year under Stage 1 – Drought Watch, city departments have reduced water use by 19 percent, superseding the 5 percent reduction target set in the Drought Management Plan. Glendale is committed to decreasing overall water use in city properties and operations and leading water conservation efforts.
The Water Services department converted nearly an acre of non-functional grass to a low-water-use landscape. This grass-to-xeriscape conversion will result in significant water savings for many years. Maintaining the health of the grass-filled landscape required a recommended landscape water budget of 1,254,000 gallons a year. After installing a drought-resilient landscape, the estimated landscape water budget is now under 500,000 gallons a year.
Glendale water customers can conserve water in the community by installing water and energy-efficient technology and removing unwanted grass. On July 1, 2023, Glendale expanded its water conservation rebate program to offset the costs of adopting these water-saving measures. Learn more about Glendale’s water conservation resources at www.glendaleaz.com/waterconservation.