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Goodyear advances water‑allocation ordinance to codify policy as Colorado River talks loom
Summary
City staff presented draft ordinance language to implement a water resource allocation policy adopted May 19, 2025: existing users will be grandfathered based on 2023–2025 usage, large‑water‑user requests will require staff cost‑benefit review and council approval for overages, and ADWR review of a 100‑year supply designation is pending.
Barb Chappell, the city’s water services director (speaker 3), and Michelle Vanquatham, outside water‑policy counsel (speaker 12), briefed the council June 15 on proposed code amendments to Chapters 1, 14 and 18 that implement the water resource allocation policy the council adopted last year.
Chappell said the ordinance is intended to operationalize the policy by defining terms and procedures. Vanquatham explained key elements: the ordinance would grandfather ‘‘existing users’’ based on their water use over the last three years (2023–2025) so those historic volumes remain available; a new definition of ‘‘large water user’’ would govern applicants whose requested use exceeds the plan allocation; and requests above the plan allocation would be subject to staff review using cost‑benefit factors and would require a council‑approved agreement to provide additional water.
Vanquatham said the applicant is responsible for any required plume or technical studies and that the city will evaluate those submissions with the fire department and staff as part of the special‑use or overage review. She noted development agreements already in place to serve specific EDUs are not affected by the ordinance.
Council members asked about the city’s 100‑year assured water supply application with the Arizona Department of Water Resources; staff said a draft decision is expected before the end of the calendar year and reiterated that the draft ordinance aims to protect current users while leaving some flexibility for future allocations. Staff also discussed outreach activity, including developer forums, meetings with major property owners and public posting of the draft ordinance.
Several council members urged additional small‑group stakeholder meetings before a July 6 council adoption vote; staff said council assistants were scheduling those meetings and that staff hoped to hold them before July 6 if possible. On transfers, staff said allocations cannot be shifted between parcels by policy, but a cohesive development could seek a development agreement that would be reviewed and, if warranted, approved by council.
Next steps: staff will continue outreach, respond to specific council requests and return to council for a potential adoption vote on July 6 following the Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation.
