From the Office of Mayor Lisa Borowsky
A proposal championed by Mayor Lisa Borowsky to strengthen oversight of new large water users advanced Tuesday when the City Council directed staff to draft a new ordinance governing high-water-demand projects.
The action follows a council work study carrying examining regulatory options for future developments and business operations with significant water demands as communities across Arizona continue evaluating long-term water planning strategies.
“Scottsdale has always succeeded because previous generations planned ahead,” Mayor Borowsky said. “As our city continues to attract investment and opportunity, we must ensure projects with substantial water demands align with our long-term water management priorities.”
Under staff recommendations presented to City Council, developments projected to use more than 100,000 gallons of water per day would be required to submit a water demand exhibit and conservation plan.
Furthermore, projects exceeding 250,000 gallons per day would face additional review requirements, including economic impact analysis, while projects expected to use more than 500,000 gallons per day would require City Council approval.
City staff also recommended requiring conservation plans as a binding condition of water service for developments using 100,000 gallons of water per day or more, annual reviews for users exceeding 250,000 gallons per day and updates to conservation plans every five years.
In addition to those recommendations, Mayor Borowsky requested the City Attorney’s Office evaluate Scottsdale’s legal authority to require large developments and other significant water users to bring their own water allocations, water credits or other offset mechanisms as a condition of approval.
“Scottsdale residents expect us to explore every available tool to protect our water future,” Mayor Borowsky said. “Understanding whether large water users can provide additional water resources or offsets is an important part of that conversation.”
The proposed ordinance builds upon Scottsdale’s existing water demand policies, which already require additional review for development proposals expected to use more than 100,000 gallons of water per day.
Of Note: Current policy requires applicants seeking certain General Plan amendments or rezoning approvals above that threshold to provide information regarding projected water use, conservation measures and economic value associated with the project.
City staff also reviewed large water user ordinances adopted by neighboring municipalities. Those regulations include conservation plans, enhanced project review requirements, economic impact analyses and, in some cases, provisions requiring physical water supplies to be conveyed to a municipality to offset projected usage.
“One of the most important responsibilities we have as elected leaders is protecting our community’s future,” Mayor Borowsky said. “This is a prudent step that will help Scottsdale thoughtfully manage growth while safeguarding our most valuable resource.”
A draft ordinance is expected to return to the City Council following additional legal review and policy development.
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