Feeding Phoenix: How a Desert City Stays Hydrated

In Phoenix, Arizona, the story of water is one of remarkable human ingenuity in the face of an arid environment. It’s a tale stretching back centuries, transforming a parched desert into a thriving metropolis. When you turn on your tap in Phoenix, that life-giving water has embarked on a remarkable journey, primarily sourced from far beyond the city limits.

At Sun Control Landscapes, we understand that water is the ultimate foundation of our desert oasis. Here’s a breakdown of where Phoenix gets its water supply:

1. The Salt and Verde Rivers (Approximately 60% of Phoenix’s Water)

This is Phoenix’s traditional and largest single source of water, managed by the Salt River Project (SRP).

  • Mountain Origins: The journey begins high in the mountains of northern and eastern Arizona. Snowmelt and rainfall collect in vast forested watersheds, feeding into the Salt and Verde Rivers.
  • A System of Dams and Reservoirs: This water is then captured and stored in a series of six major dams and reservoirs (like Roosevelt, Apache, Canyon, Saguaro on the Salt River, and Horseshoe and Bartlett on the Verde River). These dams perform multiple functions: storing water for drought resilience, controlling floods, and generating hydroelectric power.
  • The Canal Network: From these reservoirs, water is released into SRP’s extensive 131-mile network of canals, a system that draws inspiration from the ancient Hohokam people. These canals deliver water by gravity to water treatment plants, farms, and properties with flood irrigation access across the Valley.

2. The Colorado River (Approximately 40% of Phoenix’s Water)

This is Phoenix’s second largest water source, delivered via the monumental Central Arizona Project (CAP).

  • Distant Source: The Colorado River originates in the Rocky Mountains and flows through several states before reaching Arizona. Phoenix’s share of this water comes from Lake Havasu (formed by Parker Dam on the Colorado River).
  • The CAP Aqueduct: The CAP is an engineering marvel: a 336-mile-long system of canals, tunnels, and pumping plants that transports Colorado River water across the desert, overcoming significant elevation changes, to central and southern Arizona. This project, completed in 1993, is crucial for supporting Arizona’s immense growth.
  • Lake Pleasant: Much of Phoenix’s CAP allocation is stored in Lake Pleasant, a large reservoir north of the city, which serves as an important reserve.
  • Challenges: The Colorado River Basin has faced unprecedented drought conditions and overuse in recent decades, leading to historic low water levels in Lakes Mead and Powell and necessitating water cuts for Arizona and other lower basin states. Phoenix, however, holds high-priority rights to this water and has strategically banked excess water underground for future use.

3. Groundwater (A Small, Strategic Portion)

While surface water (from the Salt/Verde and Colorado Rivers) makes up the vast majority of Phoenix’s water supply (over 90%), groundwater from local aquifers plays a supplementary and strategic role.

  • Managed Use: The City of Phoenix has a sophisticated groundwater management program, using wells to pump water from underground aquifers. This source provides about 2% of the city’s daily water needs, but it’s a critical backup, especially during drought or if surface water deliveries are curtailed.
  • Water Banking: Arizona is a leader in “water banking,” where excess surface water (particularly from the Colorado River in wetter years) is deliberately stored in underground aquifers for future retrieval. This acts as a vital long-term savings account.

4. Reclaimed Water (The Recycled Resource)

A significant and growing part of Phoenix’s water management strategy is the recycling of wastewater.

  • Treatment & Reuse: Nearly 100% of the city’s wastewater is collected and put through an advanced treatment process. This highly treated water, known as “reclaimed water” (or effluent), is not used for drinking but has many beneficial applications.
  • Applications: Reclaimed water is used for irrigating golf courses, parks, and non-edible crops. It’s also vital for recharging groundwater aquifers and for industrial cooling purposes (like at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station). This reduces the demand on potable (drinking) water sources.

A Diverse Portfolio for a Desert Metropolis

Phoenix’s ability to thrive in the desert is a testament to foresight, investment, and strategic water management. By diversifying its water portfolio with reliable surface water rights, actively banking water underground, and maximizing the reuse of reclaimed water, Phoenix has secured a robust and resilient water supply for its growing population.

The journey of water to your Phoenix home is a complex one, a continuous flow enabled by a history of ingenuity and an ongoing commitment to conservation. It’s a constant reminder that in the desert, every drop truly counts.