Peoria implements stage 1 of drought management plan

As part of continued drought management efforts, the city of Peoria has declared stage 1 to increase awareness and voluntary reduction efforts.

In recognition of ongoing regional and statewide discussions related to the Colorado River shortage, Peoria has declared stage 1 water watch of the drought management plan to raise awareness and encourage voluntary reduction measures. There is no immediate impact to the city’s ability to deliver water and, at this time, there are no mandatory water restrictions, according to a news release.

“Managing long-term and effective water programs is a complex undertaking and one that requires strategic planning and constant scrutiny,” Mayor Cathy Carlat said. “Fortunately, Peoria has been preparing for these conditions for many years, and we are not surprised by the current drought conditions in Arizona. Our city remains committed to taking action to reduce our water use, while expanding water re-use infrastructure, and implementing education and conservation resources for our community.”

Peoria has a long history of thoughtful water management and has been preparing for drought conditions for decades by adhering to the Principles of Sound Water Management and focusing on sustainability and smart growth, the release said. The city has assembled a diverse water supply portfolio, maintained a 100-year designation of assured water supply, proactively invested in and strengthened its water infrastructure, and recently doubled investments to expand water conservation rebates and programs for Peoria water customers.

Read the full article at YourValley.net

Peoria is Drought Ready

The City of Peoria has a long history of exceptional water management and over the last 25 years has made significant investments to safeguard our community from drought and shortage conditions. This includes planning and preparing for droughts and other scenarios that impact our water supplies by diversifying and enhancing supplies and promoting conservation and building new infrastructure. As a desert community, we must remain good stewards of our water supply. With a focus on conservation, smart growth, and long-term planning, Peoria has accomplished the following to support a sustainable water future.

Invested in building a diverse water supply portfolio:
- Constructed the Greenway Water Treatment Plant to utilize the Salt River Project water assigned to lands within Peoria
- Signed a 100-year lease with the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) for additional Central Arizona Project (CAP) water to buffer against shortages
- As part of the purchase of New River Utility Company, acquired the former utility’s CAP water allocation which increases Peoria’s overall CAP water allocation
- Invested in water reclamation plants to treat effluent to Arizona’s highest Class A+ standard

Constructed two reclaimed water systems (a.k.a., Purple Pipe) to reduce potable water demand
Maintain a network of groundwater wells for surface water supply redundancy
Adopted a Drought Management Plan (PDF) to address supply reductions
Developed and implemented a water conservation program
Invested in underground water storage facilities to bank renewable water for times of shortage
Provided financial support to restore the health of the Salt and Verde River watersheds
Engaged in regional preparations via numerous organizations including AMWUA, WVWA, ADWR, AWBA, CAWCD, and SRP
Supported the multi-state Drought Contingency Plan
- Peoria will deliver 5,000 acre-feet of its CAP water in 2022 to the Maricopa-Stanfield Irrigation and Drainage District (MSIDD) in exchange for long-term storage credits
Building reclaimed water pipelines to reduce potable water use outdoors and to improve the connection between where water is stored underground and where it will be pumped back out in the future