Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

March 8, 2006

Lingering Drought Not an Immediate Threat to Water Availability

The winter rains of the 2004-2005 season on the Salt River watershed resulted in nearly full reservoirs, causing the city of Phoenix to lift the Stage One Drought Alert that had been in effect for more than two years. Despite the current extreme below-normal precipitation conditions, Salt River Project (SRP) storage level (76 percent of capacity) is sufficient for several additional dry years. Though reservoir storage on the Colorado River system is still well below normal (57 percent of capacity), there have been improvements in storage over the past year. For the next two months and heading into summer, weather forecasters do not expect any changes to the dry pattern in the region. The current drought conditions do not pose an immediate threat to water availability for Phoenix customers. However, the conditions warrant diligence by water customers in using only what is needed, and in preparing landscaping to use less water in the event that water use restrictions become necessary in future years. So, please, take a few minutes to better understand how your irrigation system works and exactly how much water to give your plants during the coming spring and summer months (and other times of the year). If forecasters are wrong and we do get some much needed rainfall, remember to turn off your irrigation system for a few days. And if you plan to re-landscape (or landscape a new residence or business), consider using drought-tolerant trees and shrubs that can go for extended periods without water. For more information on outdoor watering and many other ways to use water responsibly, log onto wateruseitwisely.com, or ag.arizona.edu/azmet/.