| ITEM #: 7. DATE: 09/14/2026 AI #:3280 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE: INCREASE CITY NON-POTABLE WATER USES |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | David Lopez, Parks and Recreation Director; Barbara Chappell, Water Services Director |
SUMMARY
The Parks and Recreation Department is evaluating opportunities to increase the use of non-potable water sources for park irrigation in alignment with the city’s Strategic Plan. Staff will provide an overview of alternative water sources currently used throughout the park system, identify potential opportunities to transition additional locations from potable to non-potable water, and discuss key considerations, including water availability, supply reliability, infrastructure requirements, and cost.
The discussion will help staff identify feasible opportunities to reduce reliance on potable water while maintaining reliable irrigation for city parks and supporting the City of Goodyear’s long-term water resource strategy.
The discussion will help staff identify feasible opportunities to reduce reliance on potable water while maintaining reliable irrigation for city parks and supporting the City of Goodyear’s long-term water resource strategy.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
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RECOMMENDATION
Council will receive an update on efforts to increase the use of non-potable water sources for park irrigation and provide direction to staff regarding future evaluation and implementation opportunities. No action will be taken. (David Lopez, Parks and Recreation Director; Barbara Chappell, Water Services Director)
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with this item. As individual opportunities advance from evaluation to implementation, any necessary funding may be requested through the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) or through supplemental project submissions.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
On November 17, 2025, Council adopted the FY2026–2029 Strategic Plan, which includes an initiative to increase the use of non-potable water sources where feasible.
In response to this strategic direction, Parks and Recreation continued reviewing existing irrigation practices and identifying park locations that may be suitable for conversion from potable to non-potable water. This work session provides Council with an update on those efforts and an opportunity to provide direction before staff advances further evaluation of potential locations and water sources.
In response to this strategic direction, Parks and Recreation continued reviewing existing irrigation practices and identifying park locations that may be suitable for conversion from potable to non-potable water. This work session provides Council with an update on those efforts and an opportunity to provide direction before staff advances further evaluation of potential locations and water sources.
STAFF ANALYSIS
Parks and Recreation currently uses alternative water sources at several park facilities and is evaluating opportunities to expand their use where practical. Staff has identified six locations for further review based on factors such as proximity to existing infrastructure, potential water source availability, and anticipated irrigation needs:
Potential water sources include Roosevelt Irrigation District (RID) water, City of Goodyear non-potable water, and Phoenix Goodyear Airport (PGA) South remediated water. The feasibility of using these sources will vary by location and will require additional coordination with water resources, utility providers, and other affected stakeholders.
Each location will be evaluated based on water availability, supply reliability, required infrastructure, water quality, operational considerations, and cost. Staff will also consider whether conversion can be coordinated with planned park improvements, irrigation system upgrades, or future Capital Improvement Program projects to reduce duplication of work and maximize available resources.
Following Council direction, staff will further evaluate the most viable opportunities and develop potential implementation strategies. Any project requiring additional funding will be brought forward through the appropriate budget or CIP process for Council consideration.
- Goodyear Community Park
- Goodyear Recreation Campus, Phases I and II
- Rio Paseo Park
- Bullard Wash Park II
- Roscoe Dog Park
- Goodyear Ballpark
Potential water sources include Roosevelt Irrigation District (RID) water, City of Goodyear non-potable water, and Phoenix Goodyear Airport (PGA) South remediated water. The feasibility of using these sources will vary by location and will require additional coordination with water resources, utility providers, and other affected stakeholders.
Each location will be evaluated based on water availability, supply reliability, required infrastructure, water quality, operational considerations, and cost. Staff will also consider whether conversion can be coordinated with planned park improvements, irrigation system upgrades, or future Capital Improvement Program projects to reduce duplication of work and maximize available resources.
Following Council direction, staff will further evaluate the most viable opportunities and develop potential implementation strategies. Any project requiring additional funding will be brought forward through the appropriate budget or CIP process for Council consideration.