Full Breakdown
Glendale Prepares for Arizona’s Largest Water Cut in Decades
9/10/2026, 2:25:29 AM
Water Supply and Federal Cuts
The federal government has ordered reductions of 1.25 million acre-feet from Colorado River deliveries in both 2027 and 2028, with Arizona slated to receive the steepest cut among the Lower Basin states. Glendale’s supply is directly tied to the river: about 41 % of the city’s drinking water comes from the Colorado River via the Central Arizona Project, while roughly 55 % is sourced from the Salt and Verde rivers and 4 % from groundwater.
Underground Storage and New Infrastructure
Since 1996 Glendale has built an underground “water bank,” accumulating approximately 209,000 acre-feet of long-term storage credits that can be withdrawn when surface supplies dwindle. The city plans to tap these credits once Colorado River deliveries fall to roughly a 65 % reduction. In parallel, Glendale is investing in new infrastructure: five groundwater-well projects costing $54 million to $70 million and a $50 million expansion of Bartlett Dam on the Salt and Verde system, which will add significant storage capacity.
Drought Management Plan and Conservation Efforts
Glendale’s state-mandated drought plan, in place for more than two decades, currently sits at Stage One (drought watch). The city has imposed a mandatory 5 % water-use cut for parks and public right-of-way and is urging residents to voluntarily reduce household use by the same margin. Incentives include rebates for water-efficient appliances and subsidies for converting lawns to desert landscaping.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor **Jerry P.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Think of these long-term storage credits like a bank,” — Joanne Toms, the city's Environmental Program Administrator
- “It's a lot of money for that amount of water,” — Joanne Toms, the city's Environmental Program Administrator
- “We don't want to go from stage one to stage four,” — Joanne Toms, the city's Environmental Program Administrator
- “It's not just one thing that's going to solve everything,” — Joanne Toms, the city's Environmental Program Administrator
