Where Central Arizona’s water comes from

Bringing water to the Valley since 1903

For more than a hundred years, SRP has provided a reliable water supply to metropolitan Phoenix.

Our work began with one of Arizona's first dams and grew into a system of lakes, rivers, dams and canals that delivers water to millions of residents in the Valley.

Building a diverse, reliable water supply

Over the years, Valley residents, SRP and partnering organizations have invested heavily in the infrastructure necessary to create a resilient water portfolio.

Unlike most U.S. cities, Greater Phoenix has access to four sources of water.

1. Water from in-state rivers and streams – SRP manages seven reservoirs that store water from the Salt and Verde rivers and the East Clear Creek watershed. Over half of the water supply in the Phoenix metro area comes from the SRP water system.
2. Colorado River water – The Central Arizona Project (CAP) delivers Colorado River water to the Valley. This represents the area's second-largest water supply.
3. Reclaimed water – SRP delivers fresh water to cities and towns throughout the Valley. They then treat the water and deliver it to homes and businesses – but that’s just the beginning. “Waste water” gets a second useful life when it’s recaptured, treated and recycled. This recycled water – called reclaimed water – can be used for farming non-edible crops, landscaping and more.
4. Groundwater – SRP utilizes a vast ground water pumping system that includes 270 high-capacity wells. Additionally, Valley cities operate large groundwater supply systems.

From our watershed to your home

Ever turn on the faucet and wonder, “Where does the water come from?” Learn how water travels to you and how we manage it along the way.

Explore a map of the SRP water delivery system

Get to know the dams, lakes, canals and watersheds in Arizona.

Your tap water begins as rain and snow in the forest

High in the mountains, in the forests of northern and eastern Arizona, lies the SRP watershed.

Made up of 8.3 million acres of protected forestland, the watershed is the source of the water we use every day.

In the winter, snow collects in the forests. In the spring, the snow melts and the journey of your water begins.

See how we manage the watershed.

Water is captured by dams in reservoirs

Melted snow flows down the mountains and into the Salt and Verde rivers, where it’s carried through a series of lakes.

There are seven lakes in the SRP system that are reservoirs — places to store water.

Water collected in our reservoirs is then released through dams. Dams allow us to control the flow of water so that we can manage floods and store water so that we’re prepared during periods of drought. Dams are also used to generate hydroelectric power. Explore dam and lake management.