ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY NEWSLETTER SPRING 2025
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR
Peter Abraham, P.E. Water Utility Director
For 2025, the Bureau of Reclamation has maintained last year’s Tier 1 water shortage for many Colorado River Water users including Arizona. A Tier 1 water shortage maintains Arizona’s Colorado River water allocation to what it was in 2024. A Tier 1 water shortage means that Arizona receives approximately 30% less Colorado River Water compared to Arizona’s full allocation.
For 2025, Oro Valley will not see any reductions in Colorado River water deliveries, but we can expect a reduction in deliveries in future years. Fortunately, the conservation ethic of our residents will allow the Water Utility to meet the water resource needs of the community for the foreseeable future.
The graph shown beloww exemplifies the conservation ethic of our residents. Our overall consumption of water resources is about the same as it was in 2000, yet our population has grown from nearly 33,000 residents in 2000 to nearly 48,000 residents 24-years later.
Thanks to our community’s support the Utility has made investments in constructing the water infrastructure necessary to diversify the Utility’s water resource portfolio beyond groundwater. In 2006, the utility began making reclaimed water deliveries for turf irrigation and in 2012 Colorado River water deliveries began to supplement the community’s drinking water needs.
The addition of reclaimed water and Colorado River water has resulted in reduced groundwater pumping. Groundwater consumption has been reduced from a high of over 10,000 acrefeet per year in 2005 to under 5,000 acre-feet per year in 2024.
To ensure our community’s water resource sustainability, for decades to come, additional infrastructure investments are currently being made. In the summer of 2026, the commissioning of the Northwest Recharge Recovery and Delivery System will allow the Water Utility to deliver even more Colorado River water, reducing groundwater pumping to unprecedented low levels.
Thank you for your ongoing support and willingness to invest in your community water system to ensure your Utility’s ability to serve the community for future generations.
Looking forward,
Peter Abraham
Peter A. Abraham, P.E. | Water Utility Director
Spring is here! It is time to spend time with friends and family in the backyard oasis! Use Xeriscape Principles to create thriving and beautiful water efficient outdoor areas.
Xeriscaping is a landscaping method focusing on conserving water by using drought resistant plants, utilizing efficient watering techniques, and managing the soil to promote water retention and stimulate growth.
Learn more about Xeriscaping by visiting https://www.amwua.org/landscaping-with-style
Step 1 - Planning and Design
Creating a plan will help you maximize the impact of your outdoor space for function and aesthetic value. When developing your plan, you should consider issues such as water efficiency, cost, and maintenance requirements.
Step 2 - Low Water Use Plants
There are numerous native species and desert adapted species that grow very well in the Sonoran Desert available in local nurseries. Many of these species help conserve water and have beautiful flowers which will attract butterflies and hummingbirds. For more information go to https://www.amwua.org/plants
Step 3 - Appropriate Turf Areas
Small turf areas can be incorporated into a Xeriscape if they are properly planned and maintained. Although turf will require more water and maintenance.
Step 4 - Irrigate Efficiently
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to target plant roots. Group plants with similar watering needs on the same zone. Utilize efficient scheduling for irrigation. Irrigate in the early morning or the evening when temperatures are cooler, and the water is less likely to evaporate as quickly. Remember to conserve water by making seasonal adjustments to your irrigation schedule!
Step 5 - Soil Improvements
Most low water use plants thrive naturally in our soils. Organic matter or compost may be needed in some instances where soil conditions necessitate. Remember to loosen soil when planting to promote root growth.
Step 6 - Mulching
Mulching is beneficial for water conservation goals by covering the soil and reducing water lost to evaporation. Consider using mulch such as bark chips, wood grindings, or decorative rock.
Step 7 - Maintenance
A well-maintained irrigation system keeps plants healthy, reduces water waste, and promotes water conservation. Periodically check for leaks while the system is running.
CLICK HERE to learn more about your water use. You can also scan the QR code or visit orovalleyaz.gov and search WaterSmart to access and sign up WaterSmart, a free tool to increase awareness of water use, encourage conservation, and save money.