Mesa's Water Sources
 

Mesa relies on three drinking water sources: Salt and Verde River water from Salt River Project (SRP), Colorado River water from Central Arizona Project (CAP), and ground water from 38 wells located across the city. In 2005, 33 percent of the water used in Mesa came from CAP, 44 percent from SRP, and the remaining 23 percent from the City’s wells.

The City of Mesa Utilities Department serves more than 450,000 people in a 125 square mile area. These customers are located in either the City Zone or the East Zone service areas.

The City Zone serves the western portion of the city, and receives an average of 46 million gallons of water per day from the Salt and Verde Rivers. This water is treated at the Val Vista Water Treatment Plant (VVWTP), which opened in 1973 and is jointly owned by the Cities of Mesa and Phoenix.

The East Zone, which serves the eastern portion of Mesa, receives an average of 45 million gallons of water per day from the Colorado River. This water is treated at the City of Mesa’s Central Arizona Project Water Treatment Plant (CAP WTP), which has served the City since 1987.

City of Mesa water treatment facilities process 91 million gallons of water on an average day, with a peak production of nearly 138 million gallons per day. When additional water is needed, groundwater from City wells–each between 800 and 1,000 feet deep–is pumped and distributed to the zones.

Additionally, Mesa recharges wastewater that is treated to near drinking water quality. This water seeps into the ground, through a process called artificial recharge, where it is stored for future use. Storing water underground is an important tool for managing Mesa’s water resources and helps ensure an adequate supply for current and future needs.