Colorado River Drought & Shortage
We Are Prepared
GWR doesn’t use Colorado River water, but shortage of this water is likely to result in increased use of limited groundwater in the most populous areas of the state.
Arizona has known for many years that a shortage could occur on the Colorado River. To prepare, water utilities have invested in infrastructure, water supplies, underground water storage, and conservation programs. As a result of our collective good habits, the state’s policy on how growth can occur, and planning we have been able to ensure water resources will be available for at least the next 100 years.
Global Water Resources has been committed to using water wisely since our creation. We use Total Water Management to ensure a sustainable future. We manage the entire water cycle, conserving water by using the right water for the right use.
The Colorado River is an extremely important water source for the Western United States. Water from this system supports agriculture, industries, and millions of people across the region.
Drought, climate change, and unsustainable allocations of Colorado River water have reduced water availability across the Colorado River Basin, and particularly in Arizona due to the current legal framework that governs River water rights.
Because this river system is so important, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) monitors movements of water into and out of the system very closely and conducts regular hydrological modelling that forecasts future water supplies.
On August 15th, 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released the Colorado River Basin August 2024 24-Month Study, which determines the tiers for the coordinated operation of Lake Powell and Lake Mead for 2025. Lake Mead will continue to operate in a Tier 1 Shortage Condition with required shortages by Arizona and Nevada. Arizona’s Colorado River apportionment in 2025 under the Tier 1 condition will be reduced by 512,000 acre-feet, from the 2.8 million acre-feet allotment to Arizona.
You Can Help
We live in the desert and understand the value of water. Water conservation helps to support our way of life in the desert.
Arizonans’ commitment to conservation and using water wisely has helped us to avoid drastic water saving measures like water restrictions during this time of prolonged drought.
Together we can ensure a sustainable future for Arizona by continuing our efforts to conserve and use water wisely.
Visit our conservation and education page to learn more about ways you can conserve inside and outside your home.