Due to the shortage of water on the Colorado River caused by overallocation, prolonged drought, and climate change, the City of Phoenix has declared a Stage 1 Water Alert and activated its Drought Management Plan. In addition to exploring innovative solutions to alleviate pressure on the water system, Phoenix is constructing the Drought Pipeline.
The City of Phoenix has been preparing for shortages for decades. We have invested in infrastructure, underground water storage and conservation in anticipation of a Colorado River shortage. One of those significant investments is the $300 million Drought Pipeline Project, which is currently under construction. The project includes a new pipeline to North Phoenix from a water treatment plant in central Phoenix. That pipeline will allow the City to deliver water from the Salt and Verde rivers to over 400,000 people who are almost entirely dependent on Colorado River water. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. The complex project consists of 12 miles of new pipeline and four new pump stations. The pipeline will travel through preserved land, under a freeway and major thoroughfares.
The new 66-inch diameter pipeline project required countless hours of planning and coordination by City engineers, operators, consultants and contractors. But a pipeline of this size is difficult to construct in the already developed portions of Phoenix. To avoid major utilities and other obstacles, crews are building 10 tunnels, with the largest one being constructed under the Arizona State Route 51 freeway. The robust design and extensive testing are part of the effort to help protect the pipeline for decades. In addition to the large pipeline, four large pump stations are needed to move treated drinking water throughout the system. The largest pump station, located at the 24th Street Water Treatment Plant, can move 76 million gallons a day. Phoenix will continue to plan, invest and conserve to ensure sustainable growth while providing safe, clean and reliable water to its customers without interruption.
Troy Hayes is the Director of Phoenix Water Services. He has been with the City for more than 20 years.