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Phoenix launches water coalition, outlines Rio Salado redevelopment and Cave Creek reclamation upgrades
Summary
Mayor Kate Gallego announced a Coalition for Protecting Arizona's Lifeline with the Central Arizona Project, highlighted per-capita water-use reductions, and described plans to redevelop Rio Salado and bring advanced purification to the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant.
Mayor Kate Gallego said the city is strengthening water security through a new business, agricultural and community coalition and investments in large-scale conservation and advanced water treatment.
"This new network of business, agricultural, and community leaders are joining forces to support Arizona's water security," Gallego said, announcing the Coalition for Protecting Arizona's Lifeline in partnership with the Central Arizona Project.
Why it matters: Water supply and Colorado River conditions directly affect Phoenix’s growth and economy. The mayor emphasized conservation, advanced purification, and collaborative regional planning as central to maintaining municipal services and enabling new development.
Details: Gallego said per-capita water use in Phoenix has fallen more than 30% over the last 30 years and that the State Department of Water Resources confirmed the city met its goal to reduce per-capita use to 55 gallons per day five years ahead of schedule. She highlighted the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant, which the mayor said will include advanced water purification technology by 2027 and will augment supply sufficient for about 25,000 households.
Gallego also described plans to reimagine the Rio Salado river corridor: with the opening of the South Central Light Rail Extension imminent, the city plans multimodal walking and biking infrastructure, acquisition and redevelopment of key sites along the river, and partnerships with tribal partners and neighboring cities for coordinated redevelopment.
Discussion vs. decision: The mayor announced coalition formation and project plans but did not present a specific ordinance or vote during the address. She described purchased sites and plans for future redevelopment work already enabled by voter-approved funding.
What’s next: The mayor framed the Coalition for Protecting Arizona's Lifeline and the Cave Creek upgrades as ongoing, multi-year efforts that will involve regional partners and continued city investment.
