| ITEM #: 1. DATE: 04/07/2025 AI #:2216 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | FY2025 STRATEGIC PLAN - WATER RESOURCE ALLOCATION POLICY |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Barbara Chappell, Water Services Director |
Summary
Council will receive an update on the Water Services Department's (Water Services) Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Strategic Plan action item within the Fiscal & Resource Management focus area. The Water Resource Allocation Policy action item is intended to create a policy regarding the sale of water resources for development. Water Services staff will report on a draft water resource allocation policy intended to address Goodyear's continued growth within its 100-year assured water supply. (Barbara Chappell, Water Services Director)
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact related to this item.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
On November 13, 2023 (AI-1649), Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-2363 ADOPTING THE CITY OF GOODYEAR FY2025-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN. In the adopted Strategic Plan under the Fiscal & Resource Management Focus Area, Water Services has a Water Resource Allocation Policy action item to create a policy regarding the sale of water resources for development, which is to be completed in FY2025.
The Water Resource Allocation Policy action item is included in the updated FY2025-2028 Strategic Plan, which Council adopted at its November 18, 2024, meeting through resolution No. 2024-2434 ADOPTING THE CITY OF GOODYEAR FY2025-2028 STRATEGIC PLAN.
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 existing 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.
Water Services' draft water resource allocation policy is intended to address Goodyear's continued growth within its 100-year assured water supply. If implemented, the draft water resource allocation policy would build on the foundation of existing water policies and ordinances, and would help ensure the fair and strategic allocation of Goodyear’s uncommitted water resources, balancing the needs of current users with future growth demands.
The Water Resource Allocation Policy action item is included in the updated FY2025-2028 Strategic Plan, which Council adopted at its November 18, 2024, meeting through resolution No. 2024-2434 ADOPTING THE CITY OF GOODYEAR FY2025-2028 STRATEGIC PLAN.
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 existing 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.
Water Services' draft water resource allocation policy is intended to address Goodyear's continued growth within its 100-year assured water supply. If implemented, the draft water resource allocation policy would build on the foundation of existing water policies and ordinances, and would help ensure the fair and strategic allocation of Goodyear’s uncommitted water resources, balancing the needs of current users with future growth demands.
STAFF ANALYSIS
The City submitted its application to modify and update its 100-year Designation of Assured Water Supply (DAWS) in May 2024. The City's DAWS, in coordination with its Integrated Water Master Plan (IWMP) and General Plan, helps plan for and guide the allocation and delivery of water resources within the City's planning area to support the City's continued growth. The FY2025 Strategic Plan Water Resource Allocation Policy action item calls 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.
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.
To address these and other future growth-related water challenges, Water Services staff have drafted a new water resource allocation policy (Attachment A). The draft policy 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.
The draft policy aims to ensure a fair and organized allocation of remaining uncommitted water resources while protecting existing users. Key components include using the IWMP as a guide for water allocation decisions and requiring cost-benefit analysis for large and multiple meter users whose demands exceed IWMP projections. Additional provisions of the draft policy discourage annexations solely for City water service extensions, limit long-term water resource reservations, update water service agreements to manage demand and prevent waste, and prohibit self-service development through new groundwater wells. These measures represent a proactive strategy to help secure Goodyear's long-term water sustainability.
The draft policy is provided for Council discussion. Based on Council feedback, Water Services staff intend to modify the draft policy as necessary and return to a future Council meeting to request Council adoption of a final policy. If adopted by Council, Water Services staff will draft enabling ordinances based on the adopted policy for Council consideration and adoption.
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.
To address these and other future growth-related water challenges, Water Services staff have drafted a new water resource allocation policy (Attachment A). The draft policy 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.
The draft policy aims to ensure a fair and organized allocation of remaining uncommitted water resources while protecting existing users. Key components include using the IWMP as a guide for water allocation decisions and requiring cost-benefit analysis for large and multiple meter users whose demands exceed IWMP projections. Additional provisions of the draft policy discourage annexations solely for City water service extensions, limit long-term water resource reservations, update water service agreements to manage demand and prevent waste, and prohibit self-service development through new groundwater wells. These measures represent a proactive strategy to help secure Goodyear's long-term water sustainability.
The draft policy is provided for Council discussion. Based on Council feedback, Water Services staff intend to modify the draft policy as necessary and return to a future Council meeting to request Council adoption of a final policy. If adopted by Council, Water Services staff will draft enabling ordinances based on the adopted policy for Council consideration and adoption.