Phoenix to enter Stage 2 drought plan, with surcharge for high-volume water users
The city expects the change in January, when new Colorado River cuts to Arizona's share are set to begin.
Phoenix is preparing to move into Stage 2 of its drought management plan, which adds an extra charge for customers who use large amounts of water. City officials said Tuesday they expect the change in January, when a new two-year Colorado River operating agreement with significant cuts to Arizona's share is scheduled to take effect.
Under the plan, the city wants residents and businesses to voluntarily cut water use by 5% and city departments to reduce their use by 10%. A temporary drought surcharge of $2.10 would apply to each 748-gallon unit used above set thresholds. At current usage, the surcharge would affect 16% of residential bills, 7% of commercial bills and 1% of industrial bills, and is expected to raise about $40 million for conservation programs and new water supplies.
Arizona, California and Nevada still need to approve the Colorado River deal, but Phoenix is planning as if it will be finalized as written. Mayor Kate Gallego said the city has stored water underground for shortages and made infrastructure changes to move water where it is needed. The city also resumed water shut-offs for residential customers with delinquent accounts this month.
Key points
- Phoenix expects to enter Stage 2 in January.
- Customers above set thresholds would pay a $2.10 surcharge per 748-gallon unit.
- The fee is expected to raise about $40 million for conservation and new water supplies.
- The Colorado River deal still needs approval from Arizona, California and Nevada.
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Summarized with AI from the sources above and reviewed before publishing.
