Phoenix gets most water from Salt and Verde rivers; city in Stage 1 drought plan

Laura Van Lyth, volunteer coordinator and water resource specialist for the City of Phoenix, told volunteer trainees that "58% is coming from the Salt And Verde Rivers, 40% comes from the Colorado River, and 2% is coming from groundwater." She also said, "Phoenix is currently in stage 1 of their drought management plan."

The most immediate takeaway is the split of Phoenix's water portfolio and the city's declared drought posture. Van Lyth described Stage 1 as indicating that "an insufficient supply situation appears likely," and said the city is taking precautions and emphasizing water-saving work.

City staff stressed that those percentages reflect the sources serving Phoenix customers today and that the distribution is a combination of wholesale supplies: Salt and Verde River water delivered through the Salt River Project (SRP) and Colorado River water carried by the Central Arizona Project (CAP). Van Lyth recommended outreach that highlights those supply differences when speaking with residents.

The comment that groundwater accounts for about 2% of current supply was presented as part of the training overview; Van Lyth did not state whether that share is fixed or subject to change under future allocations or policies. The training session did not include a council or utility vote and did not present any new formal policy changes.