For Mesa, the persistent drought in the West remains a pressing issue, requiring long-term solutions that involve local, state, and federal efforts and resources.
We must continue to develop sustainable goals that address current water challenges while planning for future needs beyond just basic conservation measures. Mesa is at the forefront of promoting infrastructure investment, behavior incentives, beneficial reuse, and local resiliency practices for effective and sustainable solutions.
Mesa recently began upgrading water utility infrastructure with Advanced Metering (Smart Meters) that gives customers greater stewardship over their water use, quickly identifies high usage, and helps families and businesses save water and money. This investment in utility technology will save approximately two million gallons in water lost per year.
Mesa focuses on strategic water management as an ongoing commitment to ensure a sustainable and secure water future. Mesa’s collaborations, innovative thinking, and targeted policy measures are on the forefront of proactive water solutions.
In 2019, Mesa implemented a large water user ordinance to manage commercial/industrial customers by setting water budgets and in some cases requiring them to bring their own water to the table.
Mesa is collaborating regionally on two important projects with Salt River Project, including Bartlett Dam Modification and SRP/CAP Interconnection Facility. These projects will increase the capacity to store water during wet years and move water where it is most needed during times of shortage.
The Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline project expands on Mesa’s beneficial reuse of treated wastewater (effluent). Mesa exchanges effluent for agricultural use with the Gila River Indian Community and receives potable Colorado River Water in return. This project will increase Mesa’s water supply by an additional 12,000 acre-feet per year.
Mesa is not without challenges. We face threats from state legislation that would impact the Assured Water Supply program, regulations on emerging contaminants, and public skepticism toward new water sources like Advanced Water Purification.
I am proud of how Mesa manages our water supply. We boast a 100-Year Assured Water Supply Designation from the Arizona Department of Water Resources. This means that Mesa has shown continuous physical and legal availability of water along with quality and financial capability standards to maintain water supplies.
Our dedicated staff of water professionals help make us a leader in responsible water management, while meeting demands for economic growth and preparing for a future with less Colorado River water.
It is crucial that we continue our efforts to protect our water supply and use it efficiently. Every Drop Counts. To learn more, visit mesaaz.gov/water.