Photo Credit: Arizona PBS
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is calling on the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to revise its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for post‑2026 Colorado River operations, warning that the current proposal fails to protect cities like Scottsdale that depend heavily on the Central Arizona Project (CAP) for its water supply.
Mayor Borowsky submitted a detailed letter to the Bureau of Reclamation outlining significant economic, environmental and public‑health risks posed by the draft plan, which outlines future shortage-sharing strategies among the seven basin states as the Colorado River continues to face historic drought and worsening hydrology.
“Colorado River water makes up as much as 75% of Scottsdale’s annual supply,” Mayor Borowsky said in her letter to the Bureau. “The plan does not account for the real-world consequences of major cuts to cities that rely on CAP, and that is unacceptable for our residents, businesses, hospitals and national‑security industries.”
According to Scottsdale’s formal comments, the DEIS falls short in several key areas:
- Failure to consider basin‑state proposals:
The DEIS does not fully evaluate the Lower Basin states’ 2024 consensus proposal, which includes significant reductions supported by Arizona, California and Nevada. - Insufficient evaluation of compact compliance and “dead pool” risk:
The draft plan does not analyze the likelihood of the Upper Basin failing to meet its Colorado River Compact delivery obligations — nor how Reclamation would respond if Lake Mead or Lake Powell approached nonfunctional “dead pool” levels. - Environmental and groundwater impacts:
Cuts to CAP water would shift cities back toward pumping non-renewable groundwater, increasing the risk of land subsidence, aquifer depletion and water‑quality challenges. Reduced landscape watering would also threaten Scottsdale’s urban tree canopy and wildlife habitat. - Risks to critical national infrastructure:
Scottsdale and neighboring cities supply wastewater to cool the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station — the largest power producer in the United States and the world’s largest nuclear plant not located on a body of water. - Lack of economic impact analysis:
The DEIS does not evaluate how significant reductions to CAP deliveries would affect Scottsdale’s economy, which includes major employers in healthcare, semiconductor manufacturing and defense contracting. - Threats to Scottsdale’s tourism economy:
TPC Scottsdale, Spring Training facilities, resorts and hospitality businesses all rely on stable water supplies. Water uncertainty could dampen visitor demand and increase operational costs for one of Arizona’s largest economic sectors.
Mayor Borowsky is calling for equitable collaborations as Scottsdale supports a post‑2026 management plan grounded in fairness, scientific analysis and shared responsibility among all basin states.
“We need solutions that stabilize the Colorado River system without placing disproportionate burdens on Central Arizona communities,” Mayor Borowsky said. “Every stakeholder — including the Upper Basin states — must participate in meaningful, enforceable conservation measures.”
In her letter, Mayor Borowsky urges the Bureau to:
- Reevaluate the current alternatives
- Include mandatory conservation measures for all basin states
- Restore the Lower Basin’s 2024 proposal as a standalone alternative
- Fully analyze municipal, economic and environmental impacts
- Provide clear guidance on actions in the event of Compact violations or reservoir failure
Mayor Borowsky said Scottsdale remains committed to collaboration throughout the federal review process.
“We appreciate the opportunity to provide input, and we intend to remain deeply involved,” she said. “Reclamation must deliver a plan that protects the entire Colorado River system — and the millions of people, businesses and national assets that depend on it.”