Phoenix approves water conservation ordinance, impacting businesses that use 250,000 gallons or more per day
Water conservation is a top issue for cities across the Southwest. Now, Phoenix continues plans to reduce water use and prepare for the future. Phoenix City Council approved a water conservation ordinance for “big water users” this week. “It is Phoenix making sure that when a large volume user comes along, there is a sufficient benefit,” said Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at ASU. It only impacts new developments. Under the ordinance, companies that use more than 250,000 gallons of water per day will have to submit water conservation plans to the city. This could impact some hospitals, resorts, and manufacturers. Then, companies that use more than 500,000 gallons of water per day need to submit a conservation plan and ensure 30% of their water usage comes from recycled water.