Megan Sheldon, Deputy Director of Water Services, delivered the annual drought preparedness briefing to the Glendale City Council on May 26, detailing the city's water supply portfolio and the outlook for the Colorado River system.

The briefing, presented during the council's workshop session alongside Zacary Richards and Joanne Toms, came as the region operates under a Tier 1 Colorado River shortage for 2026.

Glendale's water mix

Glendale relies on a diverse portfolio: approximately 41% Central Arizona Project water (Colorado River), 55% Salt River Project water (Salt and Verde rivers), and 4% groundwater from city and SRP wells. This diversity cushions the city against disruptions to any single source.

Colorado River conditions

As of May 3, 2026, the Colorado River system is at 35% of capacity. A Tier 1 shortage was declared for 2026, resulting in a supply reduction of less than 1% for Glendale. The city maintained a Stage One Drought Watch and continues to promote conservation programs and incentives.

New guidelines from the Bureau of Reclamation are expected to be finalized in late 2026, which will govern Lake Powell and Lake Mead operations starting in 2027.

Key preparedness efforts

Sheldon outlined several initiatives for both short- and long-term water supply resilience:

  • Water exchange partnerships — Glendale has agreements with Goodyear and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District to exchange water using existing infrastructure, giving the city more flexibility during shortages.
  • New groundwater wells — Continued development of groundwater wells to supplement surface water supplies.
  • Bartlett Lake storage — Exploring alternatives to protect and potentially improve water storage capacity in Bartlett Lake, including design and construction of a taller dam.
  • Advanced water purification — Potential partnerships to treat high-quality effluent to drinking water standards, expanding the city's supply options.

Conservation and rebates

The city maintains conservation programs including irrigation efficiency rebates for non-residential customers, approved by the council in May 2024. The briefing noted that water availability remains the binding constraint for development in the arid Southwest, and Glendale must maintain a demonstrated 100-year assured water supply to serve new growth.

The workshop was informational — no council vote was required.