Guest Editorial: What’s Up with Scottsdale Water?

By Betty Janik

It is common knowledge that Colorado River water supply has been shrinking for over two decades and there will be significant cuts to Scottsdale’s water in the near future.  Fortunately, over the years, we have accumulated a reserve supply by banking unused CAP water. This will guide us through the next few years depending on the depth of the cuts and the success of conservation. However, now is the time to look beyond the next few years and into the future water supply for Scottsdale. Scottsdale Water has been forward looking for years. We are the regional leader in Advanced Purified Recycled Water (APRW), also known as Pure Water.  The path forward was outlined in 2024 in our Water Strategic Plan and the 5-year CIP 2025-2030.  This holds a key to replacing the diminishing supply of CAP water.  It is cost effective, it is our water, and will be it available sooner than other major projects (Rudy Fischer CAP Board Maricopa and Sarah Porter, Director Kyl Center for Water Policy). It should be our first priority. However, all projects need to be considered and a robust water portfolio is essential.

In a surprise move, the line item for APRW was removed from proposed CIP 2026 along with a reduction in spending for other water projects and a significant staff reduction in the water department.  We are at an inflection point for a secure water future.  Scottsdale should be making water policy a priority and not diminishing it with delays and lack of funding.  Scottsdale’s success has been to keep politics out of our water policy.  This feels like we have crossed a line.  Several Council members have made disparaging, emotionally charged remarks about the pure water program in order to sway public opinion against it.  I suggest they study some water chemistry and speak from a position of knowledge, not emotion.

Scottsdale’s APRW is among the most sophisticated water facilities in the world. Return the needed funding now and keep building on this resilient source of water.

Betty Janik

Former Scottsdale Councilwoman

Sonoran Sage