"Thomas Jefferson said a democracy is dependent on an informed citizenry. I don't care whether it sounds corny or not. It's the truth." -Jim Lehrer
Carefree Truth
Issue #889, February , 2021
Issue #889, February , 2021
The Consent Agenda addressed the proposed formation of the Rio Verde Foothills Domestic Water Improvement District (RVFDWID). Greg Crossman, Director of the Carefree Water Company, explained that a State Statute requires all municipalities within 6 miles formally consent to the formation of the DWID. Carefree is within 5 miles of the DWID boundary. Consent is also required from Fountain Hills and Scottsdale.
The proposed DWID is in a part of Maricopa County that relies heavily on hauled water from Scottsdale. Scottsdale has indicated that once the Colorado River goes into a Tier 1 shortage or above situation, water hauling may be curtailed. Currently, Scottsdale has a water pipe where haulers can fill their tanks to deliver Scottsdale water to the DWID area, but there is concern that there would be insufficient water available to supply their own customers in the event of future Central Arizona Project (CAP) cutbacks due to the continued drought. Formation of a DWID allows the Rio Verde area to secure their own water supply, which would still be treated by Scottsdale, similar to the water treatment agreement Carefree has with Scottsdale.
Mr. Crossman's initial concern was that some ground water wells could be punched within the boundaries of the DWID. The curved red line on the slide indicates the boundary between 2 different basins. The Carefree basin is to the west and the Fountain Hills basin is to the east. The DWID is not within Carefree's ground water basin. It is 5 miles away. Mr. Crossman saw no risk to Carefree.
Councilman Stephen Hatcher asked if there are water pipes running to the area. Mr. Crossman explained that the area is east of Scottsdale, down near the Verde River and is very rural. There are no water pipes running to it. Wells are "hit or miss". Some people have drilled over 1000' without finding water.
Jennifer from the Rio Verde Water District said it was a good summary. She further explained they have been notified by Scottsdale that they can't rely on Scottsdale's water system long term. Scottsdale is anticipating a Tier 1 situation possibly by January, 2022. It takes a couple of years to get water contracts in place, so Rio Verde needs to start the process now. It is a community of 2700-2800 parcels, some with wells. Approximately 2100 parcels are built. There are 700 homes that rely solely on hauled water. Those with wells don't want to be forced into a water district, so a non contiguous district is being created that will be dots on the map. The secured outside source of water would be added to the CAP canal and sent to Scottsdale to treat. The residents do not want a community well drilled, as that would decrease water available to those with private wells.
Mayor Peterson noted that Carefree is not required to give approval, but the project is not harmful to Carefree in any manner. Approval has already been granted by Scottsdale and Fountain Hills. "In a community spirit, if it doesn't hurt you and it helps your neighbor, that's certainly something that we should be doing." "There is no downside for Carefree."
The Council unanimously approved the RVFDWID.
https://vimeo.com/507807093
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Jennifer from the Rio Verde Water District said it was a good summary. She further explained they have been notified by Scottsdale that they can't rely on Scottsdale's water system long term. Scottsdale is anticipating a Tier 1 situation possibly by January, 2022. It takes a couple of years to get water contracts in place, so Rio Verde needs to start the process now. It is a community of 2700-2800 parcels, some with wells. Approximately 2100 parcels are built. There are 700 homes that rely solely on hauled water. Those with wells don't want to be forced into a water district, so a non contiguous district is being created that will be dots on the map. The secured outside source of water would be added to the CAP canal and sent to Scottsdale to treat. The residents do not want a community well drilled, as that would decrease water available to those with private wells.
Mayor Peterson noted that Carefree is not required to give approval, but the project is not harmful to Carefree in any manner. Approval has already been granted by Scottsdale and Fountain Hills. "In a community spirit, if it doesn't hurt you and it helps your neighbor, that's certainly something that we should be doing." "There is no downside for Carefree."
The Council unanimously approved the RVFDWID.
https://vimeo.com/507807093
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.