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Scottsdale's Water Supply
Water Resources in a Desert Community
Scottsdale’s long-term water outlook is tied to the future of the Colorado River. However, future Colorado River reductions could significantly reduce the portion of Scottsdale’s supply that comes from the CAP (Central Arizona Project) canal system, increasing reliance on groundwater, stored water, and reuse systems.
Regional planning now assumes less water will be available after 2026, raising important questions about growth, infrastructure, and sustainability.
How Much Water Does Scottsdale Use?
Total annual water use: ~130,000 acre-feet per year (AFY)
Sources include:
- Colorado River water (via Central Arizona Project)
- Groundwater
- Stored water
- Recycled water
Approximately 60–70% of Scottsdale’s supply is connected to the Colorado River system.
What Could Be Lost?
Federal planning by the Bureau of Reclamation is evaluating post-2026 river operations. Key risks include:
- Deeper and more frequent shortage cuts.
- High probability for major reductions in Arizona’s allocation.
- Some expert warnings that cities like Scottsdale could lose a significant portion of their Colorado River supply.
Recent reporting has highlighted this concern:
Experts say Scottsdale could lose majority of Colorado River water supply in near future
This ABC15 report from April 20, 2026 notes that Scottsdale could lose a majority of its Colorado River water under certain scenarios.
The Kyl Center for Water Policy states in their May 1, 2026, update:
“At the end of the day, if there’s less Colorado River water delivered into Central Arizona, groundwater demand from new subdivision development may threaten other water users’ fallback supply.”
Why This Matters
Scottsdale’s system works today because Colorado River water is supplemented by stored and local sources.
Groundwater and stored water act as a buffer. But if river supply declines significantly:
- That buffer must carry more of the load
- Long-term flexibility is reduced
- Costs and restrictions may increase
- Groundwater pumping is not sustainable in the long term
Impact of New Development
Proposed Project:
- Approximately 3,600 homes are currently zoned for development on the North Scottsdale State Trust land.
- Estimated demand: ~1,800–2,200 AF per year (.5-.6 AF/home/year).
- This increased demand is small when considered on its own, but large if it cuts significantly into Scottsdale’s buffer supply.
What That Means
- Adds permanent demand during a period of declining supply.
- Uses part of Scottsdale’s stored groundwater and buffer cushion.
- Increases dependence on groundwater, recycled water, and infrastructure expansion strategies (which are billions of dollars and possibly decades away from being operational).
Key Issue
The question is not whether Scottsdale has water today.
The question is:
Should new long-term demand be added while future supply is expected to decline?
Bottom Line
Scottsdale uses ~130,000 AF/year.
A large share depends on a declining river system.
New development adds demand during a period of uncertainty.
Long-term planning decisions made today will determine:
- Future costs
- Conservation requirements
- System reliability
Learn More
- City of Scottsdale – 2025 Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements Plan (IIP)
- Federal Bureau of Reclamation – Colorado River planning
- Kyl Center for Water Policy - Sign up for their monthly updates!
The Latest - May 4, 2026
Southwestern states offer last-ditch attempt at Colorado River peace
