Flagstaff Water Commission Meeting - June 18, 2026

The City of Flagstaff Water Commission held a meeting on June 18, 2026, focusing primarily on water resource management policies and industrial water use, particularly concerning data centers. Dr. Ben Ruddle from Northern Arizona University presented research on industrial water use, emphasizing the need for clear policies to manage water allocation for large industrial users, including tiered water use categories with associated costs to ensure sustainable and economically beneficial development. The commission discussed potential updates to water rights acquisition policies, regional collaboration, and the importance of benchmarking water use efficiency. They also addressed the need for clear definitions and restructuring of policy sections to better align with water rights acquisition and collaboration efforts. Additionally, the commission noted ongoing work on a water conservation ordinance, which will be revisited before submission to the city council. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting, but the discussions have implications for future water infrastructure investments and policy-driven procurement activities.