Salt River Project unveils three key water resilience projects amid Colorado River uncertainty

Water supply uncertainty took center stage at the Arizona State Legislature's House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee meeting on January 14, 2025. As discussions unfolded, officials highlighted the pressing challenges posed by the Colorado River's over-allocation and the implications for Arizona's water management strategies.

The meeting featured a presentation from the Salt River Project (SRP), where Director of Water Strategy Kyle Tillman outlined three key projects aimed at enhancing water resilience in the region. Among these initiatives is the Verde Reservoir Sediment Mitigation Project, which seeks to address the significant loss of storage capacity at Horseshoe Dam due to sediment accumulation. Since the dam's construction in the 1940s, approximately 40% of its storage capacity has been lost, a trend that could worsen if not addressed. Tillman emphasized the urgency of this issue, noting that without intervention, the dam could be completely filled with silt within a century.

In addition to sediment management, the SRP is exploring a new interconnection facility between its system and the Central Arizona Project (CAP) to facilitate the movement of water credits. This project aims to enable entities with stored water credits to access their allocations more effectively, addressing a critical gap in the current infrastructure.

The discussions underscored the broader context of water scarcity in Arizona, with committee members expressing concern over the state's reliance on the Colorado River and the need for innovative solutions to secure future water supplies. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns, the urgency for effective water management strategies has never been greater.

The committee's focus on these projects signals a proactive approach to tackling Arizona's water challenges, with hopes that collaborative efforts will lead to sustainable solutions for the state's growing water demands. As the feasibility studies progress, stakeholders remain optimistic about restoring lost capacity and enhancing the region's water portfolio.