Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Flagstaff public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in water utilities
Reclaimed Water and Golf Course Use
The Pine Canyon golf course expansion is private and uses reclaimed water under a city agreement. Commissioners flagged that the developer returned 30% of reclaimed water but may seek a new agreement for ponds and open space — and asked whether the course could open to the public at least one day a week.
Large-Volume Water User Ordinance Development
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.
Grand Canyon Emergency Water Assistance
August flooding wiped out about 40% of the park's water pipeline, so Flagstaff is trucking water to the South Rim — up to 200,000 gallons a day from two city hydrants through mid-November. That's only about a 3% bump in city demand, and the park is paying standpipe rates.
Treatment facility master plan delay
The wastewater/water treatment facility master plan has slipped, and staff are reworking the project team to get back on track — a project residents have been waiting on for a year.
Rio de Flag plant operating beyond rated capacity
The Rio de Flag water reclamation plant is running about 50% above what engineers rated it for — 3.4 MGD on a single train — thanks to operator innovations. A solids dryer project is coming, with construction contract to Council in late winter or spring.
Regional Water Supply Planning & Red Gap Ranch
The city is working with the Bureau of Reclamation and tribal partners on long-term water security, focusing on Red Gap Ranch as a wildfire-resilient groundwater source.