The plan will save the equivalent of 35 percent of the Colorado River water used annually by Phoenix residents, according to the Associated Press.
The City of Phoenix also will fund a contribution of 13 billion gallons of Colorado River water to system conservation in Lake Mead this year.
Lake Havasu City officials say such a reduction could affect every community with a connection to the Colorado River.
According to Havasu water conservation specialist Briana Morgan, Phoenix’s reduction in water usage could affect every community in the Lower Colorado River.
“In the Lower Basin, it sets an example for every community to aim for a significant reduction.” Lake Havasu City has already instituted water conservation efforts, including water conservation education, rebates from the city’s water division for reduced usage and an expansion of Havasu’s effluent system to treat city parks and golf courses.
Nexsen believes Phoenix’s reductions will offset Lake Mead’s diminishing waterlines, and delay potential future drought declarations.
“I applaud Phoenix and the tribal communities for their efforts,” Nexsen said.
Last June, Lake Mead water levels dipped to 1,071.64 feet – its lowest water level in more than five years.
Statements by LVVWD officials indicate that it may take many years of above-average runoff in the Rocky Mountains before Lake Mead water levels return to pre-drought levels.
If Lake Mead’s water level fell below 1,075 feet during any given August, the states of California, Nevada and Arizona would be forced to reduce their usage under a 2010 tri-state agreement.