Phoenix Approves Water Conservation and Restrictions for New Users Article originally posted on HERE on June 16, 2023 Phoenix will work on new water rules for future development in the city after council members unanimously approved a plan Tuesday. The Sustainable Desert City Development Policy-Water (Resolution 22129) Request City Council approval of a resolution to address water consumption of new development and restrict water use by future large users. The plan highlights conservation measures, like using drought-tolerant and native plants, restricting grass that’s not used for recreation and participating in the city’s efficiency checkup program. For all rezoning cases, the Planning and Development Department said it “will address best practices related to water usage” and stipulations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. While leaders emphasize Phoenix has enough water to serve current and future customers for 100 years, Mayor Kate Gallego said all city departments are focused on conservation. “We understand the urgency and that this is a precious resource in the desert even though we have managed supplies such that we can continue to welcome new residents and jobs to our community,” she said. The plan also requires future large water users to submit a conservation plan. Large users mean an average of 250,000 gallons daily. Right now, Phoenix has about 20 large water users, including the city, resorts, hospitals and bottling plants. Councilwoman Betty Guardado urged staff to include current users in the plan, “I think it’s important to be able to hold everyone accountable on this and hopefully all these other companies can also come in and help out in whichever way that they can.” She offered to help contact current large water users to encourage conservation efforts. Phoenix’s overall water strategy to strengthen long-term resilience includes: Utilizing available alternative water resources. Increasing water efficiency through demand management. Promoting sustainable desert development. Augmenting the Phoenix water resource portfolio.