Scottsdale responds to Colorado River environmental impact statement, emphasizing long-term water resilience

Mayor Borowsky: Decades of planning position Scottsdale to meet challenges ahead

Following the Bureau of Reclamation’s release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) that outlines the framework for Arizona, California and Nevada to realize Colorado River water allocation reductions, Scottsdale leaders are reaffirming the city’s commitment to responsible water management and long-term planning.

Under the newly announced framework, Scottsdale expects to see reductions in its Central Arizona Project (CAP) water allocation with Arizona, California and Nevada expected to reduce Colorado River water use further over the next 10 years.

Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky serves on the board of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association and is a member of the Protect Arizona’s Lifeline Coalition, both of which advocate for sustainable Colorado River policies and Arizona’s interests during ongoing negotiations.

Mayor Borowsky is pointing out key facts regarding the FEIS plan released earlier today:

• Arizona has serious concerns with the FEIS. The framework contains legal flaws, downplays the Colorado River Compact and mischaracterizes Arizona’s Colorado River rights.
• The Lower Basin is leading. Arizona, California and Nevada have committed to conserve at least 3.2 million acre-feet through 2028, building on more than 9 million acre-feet already conserved since 2007.
• Consensus works. The Lower Basin states came together and proposed a practical plan that protects reservoir levels and provides near-term stability for the river.
• We expect the Bureau of Reclamation 2027-28 operating plan to reflect key elements of the Lower Basin proposal.
• The FEIS is a framework, not a final operating plan. It establishes guardrails for river management and calls for operating decisions in two-year increments based on actual hydrology.
• The FEIS does little to encourage true basin-wide consensus. Long-term success requires meaningful contributions from all seven basin states.
• Arizona continues to lead on conservation. The state conserved nearly 900,000 acre-feet last year and more than 5.5 million acre-feet since 2014, enough to raise Lake Mead more than 80 feet.
• Arizona is using less Colorado River water than it has in 35 years. Our actions demonstrate a strong commitment to responsible water management.

Approximately 70% of Scottsdale’s water supply comes from CAP, the proposed reductions underscore the importance of continued conservation, innovation and thoughtful water planning.

“Water is Arizona’s lifeline, and today’s announcement makes clear that we must continue preparing for a future where every drop matters,” Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky said. “Scottsdale has spent decades investing in conservation, aquifer recharge, pure water technology, and long-term planning. These investments have positioned our city to remain resilient even as the challenges facing the Colorado River grow.”

Earlier this month, the Scottsdale City Council unanimously supported Mayor Borowsky’s initiative to explore a large water user ordinance, which would establish an additional framework for reviewing developments and business operations with substantial water demands.

“We are facing reductions in a major water supply source; it is incumbent upon us to ensure future growth aligns with our long-term water security goals,” Mayor Borowsky said. “Scottsdale has never waited for a crisis before taking action, and we won’t start now.”

While negotiations over the Colorado River’s future will continue, Scottsdale remains committed to protecting its water resources, supporting regional conservation efforts and ensuring a reliable water supply for future generations.

“Water security is an economic issue, a public safety issue and a quality-of-life issue,” Mayor Borowsky said. “The decisions we make today will help determine Scottsdale’s success for decades to come.”