Drought is defined as a prolonged period of below average precipitation. It is a result of climate variability and can occur in all climate types, but happens more frequently in arid environments like Arizona. Drought conditions can have an impact on Arizona's water supplies. Learn more about the current drought conditions. 

Shortage is an inadequate amount of water to meet demands. Drought is not a direct indicator of shortage and can be specific to water supplies/sources.

Due to historic drought, hotter and drier conditions, and more water being used than nature can supply, the Colorado River is in a crisis, and our reservoirs are declining at an alarming rate.

To address the situation, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior has declared a shortage on the system as indicated by the elevations of Lake Mead and Lake Powell. Both reservoirs are approaching critical levels and will require actions to protect infrastructure and supplies throughout the entire Colorado River Basin.

A tier shortage is a reduction in the amount of water available from the Colorado River and is part of a broader plan to protect the overall health of the Colorado River System. Arizona's Colorado River reduction is calculated by the federal government based on the projected water levels for the following year and officially declare the shortage tier based on those projections.

Arizona is currently operating under a Tier 1 shortage which represent an approximately 18% reduction to Arizona's Colorado River water supply. Water reductions to users are shared according to a priority system. Due to the priority of Goodyear's water rights, there are no immediate reductions to the City's water portfolio under a Tier 1 shortage.

We recognize that conditions on the Colorado River are serious and worsening due to historic drought, climate change, and over-allocation. Even if deeper shortages may come quicker than anticipated, we continue to strategically plan for a future with less Colorado River water.

During reduction of water deliveries to Arizona, Goodyear, like other cities in the state, has high delivery priority within the Central Arizona Project (CAP) system. Specific reductions will be determined with finalized agreements between states who rely on the Colorado River.

While water use restrictions are not currently in place for Goodyear, it’s always smart to use just the water you need.

View the current supply and reduction status.