Glendale declares drought watch, asks people to conserve water

PHOENIX — The city of Glendale on Friday declared a Stage 1 Drought Watch and asked for residents and businesses to help conserve water.

There are no mandatory restrictions in the first part of the city’s five-stage Drought Management Plan. Additional water reduction measures may be implemented by the city manager and council at each stage.

“Our city has invested in a diverse water portfolio and in infrastructure, like groundwater wells, which allow us to store water in a variety of places,” Craig Johnson, Glendale Water Services director, said in a press release.

“Glendale is well-positioned to meet its customers’ water needs, but we need to continue to use water wisely.”

Activation of the plan comes amid conditions worsening on the Colorado River due to a historic drought, among other issues.

“Glendale identified this issue several years ago and since then, we have been aggressively storing water for future use,” City Manager Kevin Phelps said in the release.

“We understand the seriousness of the situation and our plans, actions and programs reflect our goal of being as drought-resilient as possible.”

The city as part of the plan is targeting a 5% water reduction at municipal properties.

Glendale is also offering people incentives, assessments and conservation kits to promote water efficiency. More information about Glendale’s free water conservation programs can be found on the city’s website.

Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa also recently activated their drought plans, which like Glendale don’t put any restrictions on residents and businesses but does ask people to help conserve water.

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