As the Mayor of Cave Creek, one of my primary goals has been to continue to reduce water problems to their rightful and sleepy place instead of at the forefront of the Town’s issues and challenges.
Several years ago, I authored the Cave Creek “Water Policy” which is in effect today. One of its most critical elements requires new subdivision developers to “bring their own water” which will be a formidable effort to supply their projects.
In addition to our surface water supply from the Colorado River via the Central Arizona Project (CAP), the Town has substantial water pumping rights in the Carefree Aquifer underlying Cave Creek and the aquifer in Desert Hills. A well reactivation study is underway to determine the highest and best uses for this untapped water supply. We also have a close eye on protecting the well water depended upon by about 500 residents.
But water management is more than just securing more water. I contend it is far better to generate the modest additional water needed from a variety of sources through practices we control. Strategies include increasing efficiencies at our water treatment plant, utilizing reclaimed water at the municipal golf course and conserving residential water by installing “smart meters” at customers’ homes.
Cave Creek has a far greater challenge with reliability. A break in our 12-mile distribution pipeline from CAP to Cave Creek could occur at any time. The new Phoenix Interconnect will help protect our beloved Cave Creek lifestyles, generational legacies, and residential property values by appropriately securing our CAP water lifeline.
Cave Creek intentionally did not buy a seat at SRP’s Bartlett Dam table. This project to increase storage capacity at the lake offered two levels of participation. Only the very substantial cost participants are allowed to vote on allocations of any new water. The total amount of water is not guaranteed and is comparatively small given the number of participants. Ultimately, this was a high dollar/high risk proposition primarily for SRP customers, which we are not.
Cave Creek voters must decide on July 30. Leave your water future in the hands of experienced, skillful water and technical experts, or otherwise. Based on the Town’s significant accomplishments, there is only one choice. Bob Morris for Mayor of Cave Creek.
Bob Morris, Mayor
Cave Creek
