Guest Editorial: Steady Water Management, Not Campaign Rhetoric

By Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield

Scottsdale residents deserve the real facts about our water future, not cherry-picked claims timed for an election. Councilwoman Solange Whitehead’s recent opinion piece attempts to cast doubt on the city’s water security to promote her preferred council candidate.

The facts reveal a different picture.

Scottsdale Water has planned for a possible drought for decades, carefully managing surface water, groundwater, reclaimed supplies, and long-term storage. The city does not use its full Central Arizona Project allocation; instead, excess water is routinely banked and, when appropriate, left in the system for future needs. City Manager Greg Caton monitors basin-state negotiations and Bureau of Reclamation actions to keep our water portfolio secure. Our city water professionals confirm the supply is reliable and managed for the long term. We continue acquiring water rights, expanding well capacity, adding storage credits, improving groundwater access, and pursuing dam expansion.

Most importantly, the current council majority has suspended the high-density apartment rezonings that Councilwoman Whitehead led from 2020 to 2024—capped by her vote to approve Axon’s large apartment campus, waiving Axon’s water-credit requirement, and effectively granting Axon an unlimited supply of city water.

Whitehead calls an advanced water-recycling program “vital.” She does not mention that our current system falls far short of Arizona Department of Environmental Quality standards. Constructing a compliant facility is estimated to cost more than $250 million, with costs likely to rise as additional health and safety rules are issued and costs for materials and labor rise. Tucson and Phoenix are years from full operation and face the same cost uncertainties.

Water security is too important for election-season alarmism. Residents are best served by the careful, long-term consideration Councilman Barry Graham has consistently supported.  He is both thoughtful and knowledgeable in his approach to the city’s long-term water conservation needs.

The fact Barry has stood up to Axon’s barrage of negativity toward him proves he will NOT be intimidated and WILL stand his ground as YOUR voice on Scottsdale’s Council.  He cannot be bought.  For your own safety and water supply protection, vote for Barry Graham for Council!

Kathy Littlefield is a Scottsdale City Councilwoman. She can be contacted at kathy@kathylittlefield.com.