Will the snow we’ve seen on Four Peaks this winter eventually end up in our drinking water? A listener asked about it through KJZZ's Q&AZ project.

When the Four Peaks east of Phoenix turn white in the winter, it’s not only pretty to look at, it’s also a good sign for our water reserves.

Spokesperson Jeff Lane says the mountains are right in the middle of SRP’s watershed. 

“When that snow melts it will come down into the reservoirs on the Salt River, which is part of our system that stores water for the Valley," Lane said.

He says the entire watershed covers more than 13,000 square miles, stretching from Flagstaff to the White Mountains.

There are seven lakes that serve as storage reservoirs that fill up with runoff water.

Lane says the whole system is currently at a very healthy 74% capacity, up from 47% one year ago.