We live in a desert and water is essential to our survival. But contrary to our tourism marketing myth, Scottsdale is not a desert oasis with abundant water. In fact, over 70% of our tap water is derived from Colorado River water artificially transported to us at great expense through the Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal system and other means. One way or another, much of that river water is going away sooner rather than later -- through mutual agreement of the Colorado River basin states, federal government intervention or the relentless effects of climate change and aridification.

The Trump Administration's Plan
Recently, we learned that the Trump Administration is preparing to intervene in the growing Colorado River Water Crisis with a 10-year plan that could impose mandatory cuts of up to 3 million acre-feet per year in the Lower Basin states of Arizona, Nevada and California. That amounts to as much as 40% of the states' combined allotments. And if this happens, Arizona is likely to take the biggest hit.

In summarizing the federal plan, Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona department of water resources, explained that federal officials have indicated that water cuts across the three lower-basin states will be based on the Colorado River Compact (1922), which gives California the highest priority for water use and junior partner Arizona the lowest. According to Buschatzke, the plan, which he described as "sobering," could reduce CAP water to zero. Learn about the federal plan and its impact on Arizona in The Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/15/us-plan-colorado-river-california-arizona-nevada

In light of these and other related developments, a broad range of proactive measures to ensure water security for our community are urgently needed to diversify Scottsdale's water portfolio. Unfortunately, Scottsdale City Council has instead decided, for political and ideological reasons, to cut water-related infrastructure investments right when we can least afford to do so.

Specifically, the current city council majority led by Barry Graham, with the help of co-conspirators Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas and city manager Greg Caton, has decided to forego needed investments and kick the water crisis down the road -- just so they can brag about cutting costs. Their changes to the Water Department Budget include:

• $233 million removed from the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan

• $94 million cut from projects already underway

• $139 million eliminated from projects not yet started

• $100 million in projects delayed until at least FY 2027-28

• $30 million reduction in transfers used to fund capital projects

• 11 staff positions eliminated or transferred to other departments

• a minimal 3.5% wastewater rate increase insufficient to cover projected 5.7% rise in operating costs setting the stage for much larger increases down the road

 

That's irresponsible governance if not outright gross negligence. It amounts to gambling with Scottsdale's future -- betting OUR lives, OUR investments and OUR well-being that somehow the ongoing 30-year drought will suddenly and miraculously end before our flow of Colorado River water does.

Are you willing to roll the dice and bet everything you have on that unlikely outcome? If not, then show up, speak up and reach out to your Council members by phone and email to demand that they:

• always make water policy a top priority and take responsibility for doing what is necessary to ensure a secure water future for the community

• increase water related rates and fees as needed to keep pace with actual costs

• reinstate the previously planned strategic investments in our water infrastructure that were recently cut from the FY 2026-27 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan

Write your council at citycouncil@scottsdaleaz.gov and tell them WATER CAN'T WAIT!

And most importantly, you must help elect the right people to Scottsdale City Council -- people who understand the magnitude of the crisis we face and are committed to acting now to ensure a sustainable future for our community.

The 2026 Scottsdale City Council Election is the Water Election. Its outcome will determine for years to come whether or not Scottsdale has sufficient to meet its needs.

Restore Scottsdale's commitment to water security by supporting and voting for our Water Champions -- Raoul Zubia, Ethan Knowlden and Solange Whitehead -- in the upcoming July Primary and Scottsdale City Election.

Note: NSD has candidate yard signs for all three of these great candidates. Use our easy online order process (see previous article) and we will provide free and fast residential delivery.​