1

Your water begins as rain and snow in the forest

High in the mountains, in the forests of northern and eastern Arizona, lie the Salt and Verde watersheds. In the winter, snow collects across 8.3 million acres of this protected forestland.

In the spring, the snow melts and the journey of your water begins. These watersheds are the source of the water we use every day.

2

Dams help capture water in reservoirs

Melted snow travels down the mountains and into the Salt and Verde rivers, where it flows and is stored through a series of seven lakes, also known as SRP’s reservoir system.

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

3

Water moves into our cities through a system of canals

SRP delivers water throughout our Valley to cities, farms and irrigation customers using a canal system of 131 miles.

The canals lead to water treatment plants and smaller waterways called laterals. The laterals are used to carry water to irrigation customers, including farmers. See how we manage and maintain canals. 

4

Water is treated to meet quality standards

The water we deliver to city treatment plants is treated there to meet water quality standards. Once treated, the water is delivered through underground pipes to your home.