Scottsdale city leaders are preparing to host a public water town hall meeting as residents continue expressing concerns about rising utility costs and the city’s long-term water future amid ongoing Colorado River uncertainty. The event is intended to answer questions from residents regarding recent water and sewer rate increases, infrastructure needs, and future water supply planning.
According to ABC15, Scottsdale City Council recently approved a 4.5% increase to water rates along with a 3.5% increase to sewer rates. City officials say the additional revenue is needed to help cover rising electricity expenses, maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure, and secure additional long-term water sources for the city.
City leaders explained that Scottsdale currently receives approximately 70% of its water supply from the Colorado River. With future reductions to Colorado River allocations becoming increasingly likely because of drought conditions and ongoing negotiations among western states, officials say Scottsdale must begin investing now in alternative water strategies.
One percent of the newly approved water rate increase is specifically dedicated toward developing and acquiring new water sources. Scottsdale City Manager Greg Caton previously told councilmembers the city is exploring multiple options, including purchasing water from outside providers and expanding conservation programs designed to reduce overall water demand.
The sewer rate increases are scheduled to begin on July 1, while the water rate increases will officially take effect on November 1.
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is hosting the upcoming town hall meeting. The event will also feature Rhett Larson, the Richard Morrison Professor of Water Law at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, who is expected to provide an in-depth overview of Arizona’s water situation and the challenges facing Scottsdale moving forward.
Larson told ABC15 that the city cannot rely on temporary solutions if it wants to maintain long-term water security. He explained that Scottsdale must develop long-term strategies that differ from previous approaches, warning that those solutions will likely require significant financial investment.
The town hall meeting is scheduled to take place Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Granite Reef Senior Center, located at 1700 N. Granite Reef Road in Scottsdale. Residents who are unable to attend in person can also submit questions directly to Mayor Borowsky by emailing lborowsky@scottsdaleaz.gov.
The meeting comes as water concerns continue growing throughout Arizona and across the Southwest. Cities that rely heavily on Colorado River water are increasingly discussing conservation measures, infrastructure upgrades, and possible future rate increases as federal negotiations over river allocations continue.
Arizona water officials have warned that additional Colorado River cuts are likely in future years if long-term agreements among the seven basin states are not reached. State negotiators continue working with federal officials and neighboring states on future distribution plans for the river’s shrinking water supply.
Experts say many Arizona cities may eventually face higher water bills because replacing Colorado River water supplies could require expensive infrastructure projects, water acquisition agreements, and expanded conservation programs. Arizona State University water policy experts previously explained that cities depending more heavily on Colorado River water, such as Scottsdale, could face larger long-term financial pressures.
Sarah Porter, director of ASU’s Kyl Center for Water Policy, previously explained that while Arizona residents are unlikely to completely run out of water, cities will still need to invest substantial amounts of money to secure replacement supplies and maintain reliable systems. Porter said residents should understand that future water security comes with major financial costs.
Scottsdale officials say the city’s investments are intended to help preserve reliable water access long into the future while adapting to changing conditions involving drought, population growth, and climate pressures affecting the Colorado River Basin.
