Request Council adoption of the proposed Water Resource Allocation Policy to address Goodyear's continued growth within its 100-year assured water supply, to ensure the fair and strategic allocation of Goodyear’s remaining uncommitted water resources, and to balance the needs of current users with future growth demands. 

There is no direct fiscal impact related to this item.  

Goodyear, like many desert communities, faces the challenge of balancing current water resources with projected future growth. While a 100-year Designation of Assured Water Supply (DAWS) exists for current residents and anticipated near-term growth, the City's current DAWS does not provide sufficient water resources to sustainably support future build-out of the City, particularly in areas like Rainbow Valley. The City's recently adopted Integrated Water Master Plan (IWMP) addresses some water resource and infrastructure planning, but doesn't cover all areas, and anticipated Colorado River shortages and rapid development further strain available resources. Therefore, the City needs a more comprehensive approach to water management. 

The City's Strategic Plan identified a Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Water Resource Allocation Policy action item within the Fiscal & Resource Management focus area, which called for the creation of a policy regarding the sale of water resources for development.  However, the development of such a policy requires a more complex and comprehensive strategy than just the sale of City water resources. 

To address this action item, the Water Services Department (Water Services) presented a draft water resource allocation policy to Council at its work session on April 7, 2025.  The policy is intended to address Goodyear's continued growth within its 100-year assured water supply.  If adopted, the policy would be implemented and build on the foundation of existing water policies and ordinances.  It would help ensure the fair and strategic allocation of Goodyear’s uncommitted water resources, balancing the needs of current users with future growth demands. 

Council provided feedback to Water Services staff during the work session and staff modified the draft policy to address Council input and comments.  

As Goodyear continues to grow to meet current and future development demands, the City's land use assumptions within the General Plan may evolve as undeveloped properties seek rezoning, and as already developed properties look to redevelop or expand.  Further, currently unincorporated properties adjacent to the City's boundaries may seek annexation into the City.  Depending on how these land use and development decisions are managed, they can have a very real and significant impact on the City's water resource allocations under its DAWS.  The water resource allocation policy is intended to address these and other future growth-related water challenges.

Based on Council discussion at its work session on April 7, 2025, Water Services staff revised the draft policy to provide clarity and consistency in the evaluation of the various types of water resource allocation requests, including annexations, zoning or rezoning, and large water users.  Modifications were also made to include water conservation measures used or proposed as part of the evaluation criteria.  Additionally, Water Services staff strengthened language to prohibit self-service.  The revised proposed water resource allocation policy (Attachment A) includes its Purpose and Scope, and is further divided into seven separate sections: Water Allocation; Large Water User; Annexations; Rezoning; Evaluation and Analysis of Requests; Self Service; and Water Service Agreement.  Each of these sections of the draft policy provides overarching water resource guidance for Goodyear staff.

If adopted by Council, Water Services staff will draft enabling ordinances based on the adopted policy for future Council consideration and adoption.