Are mandatory water use restrictions coming soon? What happens to our water supply if drought continues for a long time?
Even though it is usually dry in the Valley, Phoenix will not need to impose mandatory water use restrictions for several years, and that’s only if the Colorado, Salt and Verde rivers’ watersheds far north and east of the Valley receive little rain and snow for a number of years in a row. If the west were to experience drought conditions for another five or more years, the reduction of available water supplies on the Colorado and Salt Rivers may reach a point where Phoenix would initiate mandatory water use restrictions that go beyond our traditional low water use lifestyle. This gives everyone time to start preparing for such an event. Continued wise planning and water conservation remain big parts of ensuring our future water supply, especially if the regional drought lasts for a long time. Phoenix will have the water it needs, but none to waste…with your help.
