COB Policy on Water Conservation.pdf

City of Buckeye Water Policy
Title: City of Buckeye Policy on Water Conservation Number:
Drafted by: Terry Lowe, Water Resources Director Date: April 20, 2026
Revised by: Date:
I. INTRODUCTION
Water is an essential resource to sustain life and support a thriving community. Effective
water conservation is a fundamental component of responsible water management that is the
responsibility of both the water provider and its customers.
II. DEFINITIONS
Best Management Practices (BMPs): Water conservation measures and strategies
recognized by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) as effective in reducing
water demand and improving efficiency.
Customer: Any individual, business, or entity receiving water service from the City of
Buckeye.
Dual Distribution System: A water delivery system that utilizes separate pipelines to
distribute potable water and reclaimed water for appropriate uses.
Reclaimed Water: Treated wastewater that is suitable for beneficial uses such as irrigation,
industrial processes, and other non-potable applications, in accordance with regulatory
standards.
III. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish Buckeye’s water conservation framework, guiding
city staff to use water as efficiently as possible—both as the service provider and as
customers. This framework includes developing landscape codes that enable staff to work
collaboratively with new developments to create sustainable water use plans that adapt as
conservation practices evolve, while preserving each development’s aesthetic quality.
The Water Resources Department (WRD) shall implement and manage all municipal water
conservation activities in accordance with the City Council adopted Water Conservation Plan
and Code of Ordinances.
Exhibit 1: Indicates the primary components of the City of Buckeye’s Water Conservation
Framework.
Water Water Water Water
Conservation Conservation Conservation Conservation
Policy Code Plan Program
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES
a. Water Resources Department (WRD): Responsible for administering all water
conservation programs and periodically reviewing and updating the Water
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Conservation Plan and associated codes in coordination with efforts of the
Development Services Department (DSD).
b. Development Services Department (DSD): Responsible for maintaining all
development-related codes and coordinating water conservation code updates with
WRD.
c. Finance: Responsible for conducting utility rate studies and administering utility
billing in accordance with City-Council adopted rates.
V. RELATED POLICIES
a. Use of Reclaimed Water
b. Water Acquisition and Funding
c. Strategic Water Planning
d. Water Allocations for Designation of Assured Water Supply Areas
VI. CITY OF BUCKEYE WATER CONSERVATION CODE AND PLAN
The City of Buckeye Conservation Code of Ordinances will be consistent with standard
ordinance structure and provide general conservation guidance to the development
community in the city. The Code establishes authority for implementation and enforcement
of the Water Conservation Plan.
Through the Conservation Code, the city shall promote and encourage water reuse, low-water
use plumbing, native desert landscaping, the elimination of non-functional turf in open-space
developments, and the use of reclaimed water for irrigation. This includes, but not limited to,
the installation of dual distribution systems for large-scale reuse customers as required by city
Code.
The Water Conservation Plan establishes both demand and supply management strategies
through the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs). The BMPs are designed
to achieve the city’s current and long-term conservation goals by improving water use
efficiency through education and outreach, and continued program enhancement.
WRD shall review the Water Conservation Plan and Code every three (3) years.
Recommended updates shall be presented to City Council for approval and adoption prior to
implementation and coordinated with other development code adoptions.
VII. WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
The City of Buckeye’s water conservation program provides guidance, education, and support
to Buckeye citizenry regarding water conservation awareness and reduction of demand on
water supplies. Goals of the program are to fulfill all regulatory compliance requirements as
established by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR); provide customers with
conservation education and resources; and incentivize the reduction of customer water
consumption.
The city shall evaluate the Water Conservation Program annually to refine existing and
establish new initiatives to maintain compliance with ADWR Management Plans. This
evaluation shall coincide with the city’s annual conservation reporting requirements to
ADWR.
VIII. BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
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Water conservation measures that result in meaningful reductions in water use shall be
implemented whenever possible. BMPs, as outlined in ADWR’s Modified Non-Per Capita
Conservation Program, shall serve as the guiding framework for the selection and
implementation of conservation strategies.
IX. LOST AND UNACCOUNTED FOR WATER
“Lost and Unaccounted for Water” is defined by ADWR as the difference between the total
volume of water entering a municipal provider’s distribution system and the volume of water
that is authorized, metered, or otherwise accounted-for. The city shall maintain a system-
wide level of lost and unaccounted water below ten percent (10%) annually.
X. USE OF INNOVATION
The city shall support the development and application of innovative technologies that
enhance water conservation and system efficiency. As funding permits, the city will
implement advanced technologies to monitor and improve the performance of its water
systems.
The Water Conservation Program shall also encourage the innovative approaches for
capturing and utilizing water for beneficial purposes. Subject to available resources, the city
will pursue conservation initiatives and grant opportunities for economic incentives to reduce
water demand.
XI. TIERED WATER RATE STRUCTURE
WRD and Finance shall conduct a comprehensive rate study every four (4) to five (5) years.
Rate studies shall evaluate the financial needs of all utility functions, including water supply
portfolios, system operations, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Utility Billing, and
projected development.
To promote water conservation, the City shall implement tiered water rate structures that align
charges with customer demand and system impact. This approach incentivizes efficient water
use by rewarding lower consumption levels while applying higher rates to increased usage.
XII. LOCAL AND REGIONAL PARTICIPATION
The city shall actively engage with local, state, and federal agencies and participate in water
industry organizations to support water conservation initiatives, foster regional cooperation,
and facilitate the exchange of best practices and ideas.
The city shall collaborate with other Buckeye water providers and irrigation districts to
enhance conservation awareness and reduce overall water use. Additionally, the city will
participate in local and regional events and campaigns that further public education and
engagement in water conservation efforts.
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