Chandler is latest Valley city to take water management action

PHOENIX – Chandler is the latest Valley city to implement the earliest phase of its drought management plan to prepare for a possible future with reduced water supplies.

The East Valley suburb said Tuesday it was entering stage one of its management plan because of projected Colorado River supply shortages.

“Stage one is triggered when staff predicts a water delivery reduction may be announced,” the plan says.

Stages two through four are based on actual reductions in water delivery from Salt River Project or Central Arizona Project.

Chandler’s first stage aims to reduce water usage through education and conservation efforts.

Arizona’s fourth-largest city by population says it has diverse water sources to fall back on if Colorado River conditions worsen.

“Through regional coordination, innovative programs and decades of planning, the city has prepared for Colorado River shortages and will continue to monitor and adapt to this evolving situation,” Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke said in a press release.

While multiple Valley cities have taken drought management action, none are at the point where residents are required to cut back water usage.

Phoenix, Tempe and Glendale implemented the first phases of their respective plans in recent weeks.

Tucson signaled last month it may forego part of its allotment of Colorado River water to help forestall a shortage declaration for Lake Mead that would trigger mandatory reductions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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