Large-Volume Water User Ordinance Development
Summary
Flagstaff is drafting rules to put big water users — especially data centers — through extra review before they tap city water. The trigger is 100,000 gallons per day, with requirements for water efficiency plans, economic benefit evaluations, and possible upfront infrastructure payments. Commissioners want loopholes closed, like splitting one big user across multiple smaller meters.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
Big water users could be required to pay upfront for water production, storage, or wastewater treatment capacity their projects need.
Existing residents and businesses, who avoid subsidizing infrastructure for huge new water consumers.
Developers of large water-intensive projects, who would face added review, efficiency requirements, and possible upfront infrastructure payments.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Water Commission — October 15, 2026
Flagstaff is drafting rules to put big water users — especially data centers — through extra review before they tap city water. The trigger is 100,000 gallons per day, with requirements for water efficiency plans, economic benefit evaluations, and possible upfront infrastructure payments. Commissioners want loopholes closed, like splitting one big user across multiple smaller meters.
Water Commission — September 17, 2026
The city is developing a new ordinance to regulate high-volume water users—those using 100,000 gallons per day or a 3-inch meter—requiring efficiency plans, economic benefit calculations, and upfront infrastructure fees.
Water Commission — June 18, 2026
The commission explored how Flagstaff can proactively manage large industrial water users, such as data centers, through a three-tier allocation model that balances economic growth with water scarcity safeguards.
Water Commission — May 21, 2026
The city is exploring a new ordinance to evaluate heavy water users against local values and regional plan goals rather than just basic infrastructure capacity. Commissioners debated how to set objective quantitative thresholds, evaluate economic benefits, and protect long-term water supplies like Red Gap Ranch.
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