ENVIRONMENT

Southwest cities enact measures to stretch water supplies

PUBLISHED Apr 29, 2026, 1:27 AM ET

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Phoenix city leaders this week outlined plans to move from Stage 1 to Stage 2 drought management by year-end as Colorado River allocations decline, while Midvale enacted a temporary 25% drought surcharge effective May 1 to encourage voluntary conservation and Kearny reported usage declines one month into strict restrictions. City officials said Tuesday that the Colorado River supplies about 40% of Phoenix's water and federal cuts are expected before the end of the year, prompting moves to store water underground, expand groundwater pumping, and advance a new purification plant; Midvale's surcharge will appear on June bills and local leaders urged continued savings.

By Noormahi M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2022: Phoenix enters Stage 1 drought conditions amid long-term Colorado River declines.
Early 2026: Kearny imposes the strictest local water restrictions fearing mid‑summer shortages.
May 1, 2026: Midvale implements a 25% drought surcharge on tiered water usage.
This week: Phoenix leaders meet to plan Stage Two measures and infrastructure projects.
By end of 2026: Federal authorities are expected to determine deeper Colorado River cuts.

News Intelligence

Water is a vital resource, and these changes could hit your wallet. Phoenix's plans may lead to higher utility costs as they invest in infrastructure. Midvale's surcharge means a direct increase in water bills. Check your local water usage rates and consider ways to conserve.

Media Bias

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Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Municipal water authorities and long-term planners benefit from increased revenues, infrastructure investment, and preserved supply reliability resulting from surcharges and staged conservation measures.

Who Impacted

Residential ratepayers, small businesses, and local agricultural users face higher water costs and more constrained water availability due to surcharges and mandatory restrictions.