Tempe has water to meet its current and future needs, despite continued shortage on the Colorado River and more than two decades of drought in the southwest. Tempe has been prepared and responded to the drought by taking the following actions: 

• Maintain a diverse water resources portfolio
•  Demonstrate the ability to meet current and future water demands, including projected growth, for at least 100 years (source) 
•  Invest in infrastructure and reducing reliance on groundwater 
• Empower effective customer water usage through the Water Conservation Program 

About Tempe’s water supply 

Tempe has a long history of responsible water use and sound water management practices. Tempe has a diverse and robust water resources portfolio that relies primarily on renewable surface water provided through Salt River Project (SRP).

In a typical year, SRP watersheds supply approximately 87% of Tempe’s water. Renewable groundwater supplies about 7% of Tempe’s water, while the Central Arizona Project (CAP) supplies the remaining 6% with Colorado River water.  

Read the latest water quality report to learn more about Tempe’s water resources, infrastructure and quality.

Do your part to use water wisely 

Data shows that landscape irrigation is a large contributor to water waste. Save money and water by regularly reviewing your irrigation watering schedule and check your system for leaks and opportunities to use water more efficiently. Consider converting your landscape to native and low water use plants. 

The city is here to help. Tempe water customers have access to free water usage tracking, rebates for water-conscious home and business improvements, neighborhood grants for irrigation upgrades, landscape conversions and more. Learn more about water conservation in Tempe. 

Drought status and preparedness 

Tempe is currently in Stage 0 of it’s Drought Resiliency and Preparedness Plan (DRPP). This means that a reduction in one of Tempe’s water supply allocations is anticipated, though it does not impact Tempe’s ability to meet water demands. This stage of the DRPP focuses on education and preparedness, which involves educating the public about Tempe’s water resources portfolio, drought, resiliency investments, and ways every customer can use water wisely. Tempe continues to monitor conditions and is prepared to respond to changes as needed.  

Read Tempe’s Drought Preparedness and Resiliency plan to learn more about how Tempe monitors drought and strengthens community water resiliency.  

For a quick overview of Tempe’s drought status and water resiliency efforts, the city produces regular fact sheets.  

Latest Drought Resiliency and Preparedness Fact Sheet 

Click this image to see the latest fact sheet.

Past fact sheets