Sustainable Water Planning

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Avondale's Sustainable Water Supplies

City of Avondale currently has adequate water available for customers. The City of Avondale has a 100-year assured water supply as designated by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Avondale has planned for decades to meet the challenge of providing customers a safe, high-quality, reliable supply of water, even during times of drought. It has augmented its supplies with water stored underground to protect against future drought and climate change.

Where does the city get its water supply?

Through, planning and wise resource management, the City has created a diverse water resource portfolio that is made up of surface, recharge, reclaimed and groundwater.

Surface Waters

Salt River Project Water (SRP) -- This water is collected from the Salt and Verde River watersheds, and diverted into SRP canals at the Granite Reef Dam, in Mesa. The City's allotment of SRP water depends on the acres of SRP lands that are no longer in agriculture. SRP water is recharged at our recharge basins located at Agua Fria and McDowell Road. Prior to recharge, the SRP waters are treated in the wetlands.

Central Arizona Project Water (CAP) -- Beginning its journey from Lake Havasu, Colorado River water is transported via the CAP canal water system to Lake Pleasant, just northwest of Phoenix. The City has a subcontract to purchase 5,416 acre feet of CAP water annually.

Recharge

Avondale Recharge, Crystal Garden Wetlands, New River-Agua Fria River Underground Storage Project (NAUSP), Hieroglyphics and Agua Fria Recharge sites are a few of the sites the city recharges its allocation of Salt River and Central Arizona Project surface water supplies.

Reclaimed

- The city also recharges 100% of its reclaimed water. One of the wisest uses of water is to give it a second chance to be used again after it is flushed down the drain at our homes and businesses. This process is called water reclamation. This treatment results in a water supply that is clean, odorless, and safe for groundwater recharge, irrigation of parks and landscaping. Reclaimed water benefits you and your neighbors, completes the water cycle, and provides a renewable and sustainable water resource for future generations.

Groundwater (City wells)

The city delivers drinking water to its customers from its production wells located throughout the city service area.

Avondale continues to plan and purchase additional surface water supplies for future use and to enhance its well water system so that needs are met for the future and when and if a drought affects the City. It is important to remember, though, as our desert environment regularly reminds us, that we live in a place where awareness of water should be a part of our daily lives.

For more information on water resource policy and legislation visit www.amwua.org (Arizona Municipal Water Users Association).

Contact:

Public Works Department (623) 333-4400