After a five-year process, the Town of Queen Creek has begun receiving 4^th priority Colorado River Water from Cibola, Arizona – reducing the reliance on groundwater.

In 2018, the Town approved a purchase agreement with a landowner in Cibola Valley for a portion of their water rights. The Town followed the established process for transferring Colorado River Water, which included reviews by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and the Bureau of Reclamation USBOR). 

“I would like to take the opportunity to express our appreciation to everyone who helped facilitate this important process, including ADRW, USBOR and the Central Arizona Project,” stated Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley. “As a Council, we began discussing diversifying our water supply nearly a decade ago. Thanks to the foresight of previous and current Town Councils, we were able to have important conversations about where our water was coming from at the time, what it would look like in the future and opportunities to do it differently – more efficiently. We made the strategic decision to reduce our reliance on groundwater in a way that is cost effective to our residents and future generations. Receipt of this transferred water is one element of that overall strategy.”

The Town is receiving 2,033 acre feet of water per year in perpetuity. The Town made a one-time payment of $24 million for the water rights. The water is being delivered through the Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal, which runs along the Town’s eastern border.

“This transfer may seem like a small amount – but over 100 years and with its reuse, it is nearly 365,000 acre feet – and a direct reduction to groundwater pumping,” shared Queen Creek’s Director of Water Resources Paul Gardner. “The Town is continuing to evaluate additional renewable supplies, including Harquahala water and participating in the study to raise Bartlett Dam. Water is a finite resource, and we will continue to do our part to diversify our supply.”

Other efforts include using all of the Town’s treated effluent and establishing three additional recharge sites. The Town is working with new developments on creative ways to reduce water use, including onsite lakes that store their treated effluent. The Town also offers a robust water conservation program for residents including free water workshops and classroom education for youth regarding water conservation strategies.

While the statutory 100-year water supply for all current Queen Creek customers is maintained, the Town is working toward becoming a designated provider by 2030 with a continued focus on renewable supplies and limiting the need for groundwater.

The Town remains committed to ensuring a safe, reliable supply of water today and into the future.

For additional information about the Town visit QueenCreekAZ.gov. To stay updated on events and activities, follow the Town on Facebook.com/QueenCreek or Twitter.com/TownofQC. 

Media Contact:

Constance Halonen-Wilson, Communications & Marketing Manager

480-358-3195

QCPIO@QueenCreekAZ.gov