On Jan 20, 2023, the Arizona Department of Water Resources released the Hassayampa Groundwater Model that showed a 4.4 million acre feet (maf) deficit of water for the projected development in the West Valley. On Jan 29, 2023 Governor Hobbs reaffirmed the report and stated the West Valley would not be able to support the planned development. Up front, this would be a huge concern for residential or commercial development. But wait, both metro Phoenix and its West Valley have lots of water and are able to make up the needed water. On March 1, 2023, the Mayor of Buckeye, a city larger than Phoenix in square miles, said their water is not in danger regardless of current and potential further reductions in the water from the Colorado River. Mayor Orsborn did agree that the report was accurate but implied that the Governor’s report was a bit misleading. The City of Buckeye has been proactive in addressing its water situation with bringing in water from the Harquahala Basin, to the west, or the NIA water (non Indian agriculture water) or recharging aquifers. Development in the west valley will also be prudent on landscape restrictions for new developments and always look for ways to increase their water supply. Be careful what the media states. Negative news sells but may be misleading.
Jim Kasten, CCIM, geologist
Sources:
Buckeye mayor speaks out on recent water study
ADWR Releases Much-Anticipated Hassayampa Sub-Basin Groundwater Model
Hobbs reveals West Valley current water supply cannot support planned development
Buckeye to spend $80M on groundwater rights
Mayor Orsborn on Buckeye Water – 3 Minute Video
