Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky advances large water user ordinance for City Council consideration

News Release from Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky

Scottsdale will consider enacting a proposed large water user ordinance at the Tuesday, Sept. 22 City Council meeting as the municipality continues exploring ways to strengthen long-term water stewardship and ensure future high-water-demand projects align with Scottsdale’s sustainability goals and development expectations.

The effort, proposed by Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky, comes as communities across Arizona are evaluating how emerging industries, large employment centers and other projects with substantial water needs fit within long-term water planning strategies.

“Scottsdale has earned its reputation as a national leader in water management because our predecessors planned ahead,” Mayor Borowsky said. “As we continue to attract investment, we must ensure that projects with substantial water demands are evaluated through the lens of long-term impacts upon our community. This is about being proactive today, so Scottsdale remains resilient tomorrow.”

The Sept. 22 discussion will provide councilmembers and residents an opportunity to review information, explore policy options and determine whether additional tools are needed to address the impacts of future large-scale water users.

The proposed ordinance would establish a framework for reviewing developments or business operations with significant water demands while reinforcing Scottsdale’s longstanding commitment to responsible water management.

“Water does not recognize municipal boundaries,” Mayor Borowsky explains. “Protecting Arizona’s water future requires leadership, innovation and regional cooperation.”

The City Council’s discussion follows the U.S. Department of the Interior’s release of the new Colorado River operating guidelines for 2027 and 2028, which call for additional water conservation measures across the Lower Basin.

The framework includes annual reductions in Colorado River water deliveries to Arizona, California and Nevada as federal officials and basin stakeholders respond to ongoing drought conditions and low reservoir levels. Mayor Borowsky contends Scottsdale is well-positioned to meet the needs of residents and businesses despite uncertainty surrounding future Colorado River allocations.

“While Scottsdale has legitimate concerns about the long-term health of the Colorado River system, our city remains well-positioned to meet the needs of our residents and businesses,” she said. “For decades, Scottsdale has invested in water conservation, infrastructure improvements, aquifer recharge, and a diverse water portfolio that enhances our resilience during times of drought and uncertainty.”

Under the federal proposal, Lower Basin states would collectively reduce water use by 1.25 million acre-feet annually, with Arizona expected to account for approximately 760,000 acre-feet under the proposed sharing framework.

Scottsdale receives approximately 70% of its water supply from Colorado River water delivered through the Central Arizona Project, with the remainder supplied through Salt River Project water, groundwater resources, and reclaimed water programs.

“Water is Arizona’s lifeline, and fortunately the benefits realized through responsible planning and conservation efforts, which Scottsdale has prioritized for decades has positioned our community well to absorb the anticipated reductions,” Mayor Borowsky said.

Mayor Borowsky points out the large water user ordinance discussion reflects broader conversations taking place throughout the Valley as municipalities examine strategies to balance economic development, sustainability, and water security.

“One of the most important responsibilities we have as elected leaders is protecting our community’s future,” she said. “Exploring a large water user ordinance is a prudent, responsible step that puts Scottsdale in a position to thoughtfully manage growth while safeguarding our most valuable resource.”