City Council discusses water management options with Yavapai Apache Nation

During the Sedona City Council meeting on July 9, 2025, significant discussions centered around the management of treated water and its potential use for environmental and developmental purposes. A key topic was the feasibility of transferring treated water to the Verde River, a proposal that has been under consideration but faced challenges regarding costs and environmental standards.

City officials discussed a pilot test conducted by the Yavapai Apache Nation, which explored the logistics of delivering treated water to the Verde. However, it was revealed that further evaluations on the costs associated with necessary additional treatments to meet water quality standards had not been conducted by the city. Estimates suggest that implementing such measures could run into tens of millions of dollars, raising concerns about the financial viability of the project.

Council members expressed the need for clarity on whether any agreements could be structured to share costs with potential recipients of the water. However, discussions indicated that negotiations had not progressed to that level, leaving many questions unanswered about future agreements and the sustainability of water management practices.

Another important point raised was the potential for repurposing land currently used for irrigation. Council members questioned whether environmental mitigation would be necessary if this land were to be developed. It was noted that the city has been using treated effluent for irrigation for several decades, which could pose challenges for future land use without proper remediation.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the possibility of creating a man-made lake using treated water, which could serve as a recharge mechanism for the aquifer. This idea aligns with the city's ongoing efforts to manage water resources sustainably while addressing community needs.

As Sedona navigates these complex water management issues, the outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s environmental strategy and development plans moving forward.