Presentation on Chandler Water Resources and Colorado River Update

Chandler Water Resources 
& Colorado River Update 
Preparing for less Colorado River water
City Council Work Session – May 21, 2026
Simone Kjolsrud, Water Resources Manager

Surface Water 
Snow and rain runs off 
into rivers, lakes and 
streams. The water is 
stored in reservoirs 
behind dams.
Groundwater
Water stored 
underground in 
the space 
between sand 
and gravel.
Where does our water come from?

Chandler’s Water Supplies
Annual Supply (AF)
Water Source
59,530
Salt and Verde Water (SRP)
38,755
Colorado River Water (CAP)
6,346 
Groundwater
104,631
Annual Drinking Water Supply
29,936
Annual Reclaimed Water Supply
57%
37%
6%
Salt and Verde
Colorado River
Groundwater
67%
27%
6%
GRIC Exchange
Direct Use
Aquifer Recharge
Projected Build-out Supply

Chandler Water Resources - Land Status Map

Water Supply Challenges
Drinking Water
•
Colorado River Shortage (CAP)
Permanent reductions to Arizona’s allocation will likely result in 
a 20% to 50% cut to Colorado River supplies  
•
Salt & Verde Supplies (SRP)
Winter 2025 driest on record, Winter 2026 also very dry. 
2026 and 2027 SRP allocation reduced to <=1.5 AF/acre.
•
Groundwater & Stored Water
Reduced surface water supplies will result in aquifer draw down
Reclaimed Water
•
Gila River Indian Community Exchange – 67% of supply
•
Many direct use customers are currently exceeding their 
contract allocation
•
Aquifer recharge helps to manage seasonal demand

Salt and Verde Reservoirs
2023 – Very wet year, reservoirs 100%
2025 – driest winter on record, reservoirs down from 77% to 55%
2026 – very dry winter, reservoirs remain at 55%
SRP reservoir status as of May 1, 2026

Colorado River Reservoirs
The Colorado River accounts for approximately a third of 
Chandler’s average annual drinking water. Lake Powell and Lake 
Mead are the two largest reservoirs in the system.

2026 Colorado River Conditions
Water year 2026 is forecasted as the worst year on record. 
Colorado River snow water equivalent compares 2025 and 2026 to 30-yr average

Colorado River Emergency Actions
April 2026 - reduced releases from 7.48 to 6.0 MAF 
to maintain elevation 3,500 feet in Lake Powell 
Lake Powell end of month elevations as modeled with Drought Response 
Operating Agreement (DROA) releases of  0.66 and 1.0 MAF from Flaming Gorge.
Lake Mead end of month elevations as modeled with 1.0 MAF DROA 
releases and reduced releases from Lake Powell to Lake Mead.

Lower Basin States Proposal 
2027 & 2028 Operations
Colorado River Basin map with reservoir levels

Lower Basin States Proposal 
2027 & 2028 Operations
Glen Canyon Dam diagram

Colorado River Timeline

Colorado River Impact to Chandler

Normal Year Supply
(non-shortage year) 
Chandler’s CAP supplies
~ 34,000 AF

2024 & 2025 Tier 1 Shortage 
w/ DCP Mitigation
Supplies exceed demand

2026 Tier 1 Shortage no 
DCP Mitigation 
Supplies exceed demand

2027 & 2028 Projections  
Assuming the U.S. accepts 
the LB States proposal, 
Chandler’s shortage is 17%
Colorado River supply and demand 2024 to 2028

Chandler is uniquely positioned to adapt to changes in water resource availability
What makes Chandler unique?
Learn more> Chandleraz.gov/drought

Chandler has been preparing for surface water shortages for decades
What are we already doing?
Recharge basins at Veteran’s Oasis Park

Water Conservation Successes
Grass removal incentives, leak alerts and water efficiency technology 
rebates. Conservation programs are changing the way Chandler uses water.
Water Efficient Technology Rebate– New program in Oct. 2023, 
with 22 customers approved and approximately $200,000 in rebates.
Reclaimed Water Evaluations– New program in 2025. 
Communicating with all customers to enforce contract limits.
Continuous Consumption Alerts– New in 2026! Advanced 
Metering Infrastructure (AMI) allows us proactively reach out quickly.

Water Demand Trends

2025 Conservation Initiatives – City Facilities
New sub-meters on select city pools and all city 
facilities with cooling towers
Turf to xeriscape program in city retention basins, 
$3 Million WIFA grant funding (2,000,000+ sq. ft. )
City Parks – reduced overseeding, smart controllers 
for all parks and 13 basins/medians
Partnered with SRP for funding landscape 
irrigation efficiency evaluations at all city parks
Consultant completed water efficiency evaluations 
for large city facilities and implemented updates

Chandler is committed to conservation and smart water management
Where do we go from here?
Recharge basins at Veteran’s Oasis Park

Expanded messaging - drought awareness, landscape rebates and outdoor water use tips
2026 Public Awareness Campaigns

Next Steps
Regional Partnerships– Participate in the feasibility 
study to modify Bartlett Dam and evaluate projects proposed 
to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority Long-Term 
Augmentation.

Questions?
Thank you!