Mesa's Water Reliability and Preparedness

What did the federal government announce?
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for post-2026 Colorado River operations. The FEIS identifies the Bureau's preferred approach for managing the Colorado River beginning in 2027 and is an important step toward a final federal decision.

The Bureau is expected to issue a Record of Decision, which will formally establish the operating framework.

Will my water service be affected?
No. Residents and businesses can continue to expect safe, reliable water service.

Mesa has spent decades preparing for changing conditions on the Colorado River through investments in a diversified water portfolio, conservation, infrastructure, water reuse and underground storage. Those investments position Mesa to continue providing reliable water service despite changing river conditions.

How could this effect Mesa?
The Bureau's preferred alternative outlined in the Final Environmental Impact Statement would reduce Arizona's Colorado River allocation, which could affect the amount of Colorado River water available to Mesa through the Central Arizona Project.

City staff are reviewing the proposal to better understand its long-term implications for Mesa's water supplies and planning.

Why is Mesa prepared?
Mesa has anticipated changing conditions on the Colorado River for decades. Mesa's long-term water strategy includes:

• A diversified water portfolio 
• Underground water storage 
• Water reuse 
• Conservation and demand management 
• Ongoing infrastructure investments 

These efforts help Mesa adapt to changing conditions while continuing to provide reliable water service.

Will there be new water-use restrictions?
Mesa remains in Stage 1 of its Water Shortage Management Plan.

Mesa will review the Final Environmental Impact Statement and will continue evaluating hydrologic conditions and future federal actions, including the forthcoming Record of Decision, before determining whether any future changes to the Water Shortage Management Plan are necessary.

What happens next?
Mesa will continue reviewing the Final Environmental Impact Statement while preparing for the Bureau of Reclamation's forthcoming Record of Decision.

In the meantime, Mesa will continue reviewing the Final Environmental Impact Statement, evaluating potential impacts and preparing for implementation.

Should changes become necessary, the City of Mesa will provide residents and businesses with timely updates before they take effect.

Where can I learn more?
Federal Information

The Bureau of Reclamation’s Final Environmental Impact Statement

Mesa's reliable water system is built on a diverse portfolio of water supplies. Rather than relying on a single source, the City uses a combination of Colorado River water, Salt and Verde River water, and locally pumped groundwater to meet the community's water needs. This diversified approach helps strengthen water reliability during changing conditions.

Mesa's Water Supply Portfolio

• 53% – Colorado River
  Surface water delivered through the Central Arizona Project (CAP).
  
  
• 40% – Salt & Verde Rivers
  Surface water supplied through the Salt and Verde River system.
  
  
• 7% – Groundwater
  Locally pumped groundwater provides an important backup and supplemental water supply.

By maintaining a diverse water portfolio, Mesa is better positioned to adapt to changing water conditions while continuing to provide reliable water service.

Mesa's Water Shortage Management Plan provides a clear framework for responding to changing water supply conditions while maintaining reliable water service. The plan includes four stages, with conservation measures increasing as water supply conditions become more severe.

Water Shortage Stages

Stage One – Water Watch

• Water service remains reliable.
• Voluntary water-saving practices are recommended.
• No mandatory water restrictions are in effect.

Stage Two – Water Alert

• Additional conservation measures may be implemented.
• Customers may be asked to increase voluntary conservation.
• Mesa may take additional operational actions to reduce water demand.

Stage Three – Water Warning

• Mandatory water-use restrictions may be implemented.
• Additional conservation measures are required to reduce demand.
• City operations are further adjusted to protect water supplies.

Stage Four – Water Emergency

• Emergency water restrictions are implemented.
• Water use is limited to protect essential public health and safety needs.
• The City takes all necessary actions authorized under the Water Shortage Management Plan.

Current Water Shortage Stage
Mesa is currently in Stage One – Water Watch

This means:

• Water service remains reliable.
• Voluntary water-saving practices are recommended.
• There are no mandatory water restrictions at this time.

Mesa continuously monitors water supply conditions and will notify residents and businesses well in advance if future actions become necessary.

Planning for the Future

• Planning decades ahead: Mesa has proactively invested in water infrastructure, diversified water supplies, underground water storage, and demand management programs to prepare for changing water conditions.
• Evaluating the new federal framework: City water experts are assessing the new Colorado River operating framework and its implications for Mesa's water supply and long-term planning.
• Preparing for changing conditions: Mesa's comprehensive Water Shortage Management Plan provides a clear, staged approach for responding to changing water supply conditions while maintaining reliable service.
• Exploring new water supplies: Mesa continues to evaluate sustainable and cost-effective water augmentation opportunities to strengthen future water reliability.

Protecting and Expanding Water Supplies

• Banking water for the future: Mesa has stored more than 555,000 acre-feet of water underground to help strengthen drought preparedness and long-term water reliability.
• Expanding the beneficial reuse of wastewater: Mesa uses highly treated reclaimed water to support agriculture and other appropriate uses, reducing demand on drinking water supplies. For example, through water exchange partnerships and the completed Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline, Mesa secures additional surface water supplies each year.

Using Water Wisely

• Leading by example: Through the City's Leading by Example initiative, Mesa is reducing water use across municipal operations by optimizing landscape irrigation in parks and other City properties, improving water efficiency in City facilities, expanding leak detection and water auditing, using innovative technologies to reduce water loss, and empowering employees to identify and implement water-saving practices throughout City operations.
• Reducing water loss: Through industry best practices, advanced water auditing, and proactive pipe inspection and replacement, Mesa maintains water loss below 6%, well below state and national averages.
• Encouraging efficient water use: A four-tiered water rate structure and drought commodity charge encourage conservation while supporting reliable water service.
• Helping customers conserve: Mesa continues to offer conservation programs, educational resources, and financial incentives for all types of water users.

Supporting Responsible Growth

• Planning for new development: Mesa manages and balances the water needs of new growth through sustainable water use policies and collaboration with commercial and industrial customers on efficient water use.
• Integrating water and growth planning: Mesa's Water Master Plan guides long-term water infrastructure investments and ensures water planning is coordinated with future development.

Advocating for Arizona's Water Future

• Advocating for fair Colorado River management: Mesa actively participates in state and federal Colorado River discussions to advocate for equitable, science-based solutions that protect Arizona communities.
• Working with regional partners: Mesa collaborates with neighboring cities, water agencies, Tribes, and federal and state partners to strengthen Arizona's long-term water resilience.
• Supporting regional conservation: Mesa participated in the historic 500+ Plan, contributing 1,300 acre-feet of water to help stabilize Lake Mead.
• Keeping the community informed: Mesa will continue providing residents and businesses with timely updates as Colorado River implementation moves forward.

One acre-foot of water is 325,851 gallons. This is enough water to cover one acre of land with one foot of water. Based on Mesa’s median household water use, one acre-foot can serve about four to five households for one year.

Every resident and business plays an important role in protecting Mesa's water future. While the City continues investing in infrastructure, conservation, and long-term water planning, the everyday choices we make at home and work also matter. Most household water use occurs outdoors, making landscape irrigation one of the greatest opportunities to save water.

You can help by:

• Watering wisely by adjusting irrigation schedules for the season and weather conditions.
• Fixing leaks promptly, including dripping faucets, running toilets, irrigation systems, and sprinkler heads.
• Upgrading to water-efficient fixtures and irrigation equipment to reduce indoor and outdoor water use.
• Choosing desert-adapted plants that thrive in Arizona's climate while requiring less water.
• Avoiding unnecessary outdoor watering, especially during or after rainfall.
• Exploring Mesa's conservation programs and resources to help you use water wisely.

Visit Save Water Indoors and Out to find water-saving tips, irrigation guidance, conservation resources, and information on programs that can help you save both water and money.