Goodyear plans water policy and dam modifications to support regional growth

The Goodyear City Council Work Session on March 3, 2025, focused on critical water resource management strategies to support the city's growth. Key discussions centered around the implementation of a new water policy aimed at maximizing the use of reclaimed water and ensuring sustainable water supply for the community.

City officials emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive water policy that would guide the effective use of reclaimed water, which the city fully controls. This policy is expected to facilitate beneficial uses of this resource, including potential credits or direct reuse. The council plans to revisit this topic in a future work session to gather input from the mayor and council members on the next steps for implementation.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to secure groundwater resources in the Rainbow Valley area, which is crucial for supporting future growth. Another significant project discussed was the modification of the Bartlett Dam, managed by the Salt River Project. This project aims to increase the dam's height at Bartlett Lake, allowing for greater water storage. Notably, this initiative includes collaboration among 22 stakeholders, including water providers and tribal entities, to ensure that the benefits of the project extend beyond traditional service areas to include Goodyear and neighboring cities.

The council also reviewed the city's water infrastructure, particularly in planning areas 2 and 3, where the majority of water delivery systems are located. This infrastructure is vital for supplying water to homes and firefighting services.

Overall, the discussions underscored Goodyear's proactive approach to managing its water resources, ensuring that the city is well-prepared to meet the demands of future growth while maintaining sustainable practices. The council's commitment to revisiting these topics indicates a focused effort to enhance water management strategies in the coming months.