Water—or the potential lack thereof — has been the Town Council’s most important subject for the past four years. Cave Creek depends on water pumped from the Central Arizona Project (CAP), and the Colorado River feeds the CAP system. The Colorado River Basin is experiencing its worst drought in recorded history, which has led to increased wildfire activity and depletion of water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
The Upper and Lower Basin states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming are working with the federal government to manage the overstressed river in 2026. It is anticipated that there will be mandatory cuts in water allocations to the Lower Basin states, which includes Arizona. What does a potential reduction in water to the CAP mean for Cave Creek customers? The Town receives all its surface water supplies from the Colorado River, which is delivered via the CAP. The Town connects to this water resource from a 12.5-mile pipeline with four in-line boosters feeding one treatment plant. In 2027, the Town may have a 25% reduction in this water resource.
The Town Council recently completed reviews of the Fiscal Year 2026 Town Budget, which highlighted some upcoming financial challenges over the next few years, driven by Utility Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), repayments of loans for water infrastructure projects, and rising interest rates. The Town can only raise utility rates so much before they become an undue burden to customers. The Town Council takes our investment in utility infrastructure and customer’s rates for water and sewer services very seriously. The Town has invested heavily in our utilities to meet the needs of our community, but there is still more to do and tough decisions to be made.
The Town’s Utilities Department operates three systems, one wastewater plant, and two water Companies, serving approximately 4,400 Cave Creek and Desert Hills customers. Town Council continues to invest resources to build and maintain the systems to ensure a sustainable water supply for residents and businesses. The Town has invested approximately $15 million in the water interconnect project with the City of Phoenix. The new connection will enhance the reliability of the Town’s water system and provide up to 1.4 million gallons per day, or approximately half the Town’s current peak day demand when needed. The interconnect project is expected to be operational by the Spring of 2026.
The Interconnect Project adds another source of treated water through a contract with Phoenix, giving a tremendous boost to reliability. It also adds 1,000,000 gallons of reserves and doubles the water available for firefighting. Importantly, it provides access to the extensive water systems in Maricopa County allowing for trades and storage.
The Town is working with Federal, State and local governments to cooperatively address the regional CAP water cutbacks that are predicted.
Last Fall, the Town was accepted as a non-voting member of the Bartlett Dam Modification Feasibility Study, joining 22 municipalities, tribal nations, and agricultural partners. Working with SRP and the Bureau of Reclamation, the study is evaluating how to expand Bartlett Dam. The expansion of Bartlett Lake, if completed, will provide additional water resources through SRP canals to the CAP, some of which Cave Creek would receive. When the feasibility study is completed in 2027, SRP and the Bureau will submit the plans to the federal government for partial construction funding. Unfortunately, the cost of the dam construction has tripled from $1 billion to over $3 billion so Cave Creek’s participation will depend on both cost and timing.
The Town is investing in water resources to meet the needs of our community. Tough decisions will need to be made, but the Town has been working on water issues for many years, and we’re prepared and have a strategy to keep water flowing.
It will be critical to conserve outdoor water, irrigation and pool water. Funds have been budgeted for conservation programs and a new smart water meter program, partially funded by a grant, is underway now.
Stay tuned for additional information as Colorado River shortage decisions are expected in the next year.
Town stays busy after spring events
We made it through another successful Cave Creek Rodeo Days and Bike Week. Both events attracted record numbers this year. We won’t have the total numbers for a few weeks, but representatives from CCR and the Town Marshal said attendance at these two events was the highest they’ve seen!
Now that these events are in the rear-view mirror, the Town has much to look forward to. One that we have been anxiously waiting to finalize is the Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo. The Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has selected Cave Creek Rodeo Grounds as its new location. The Turquoise Finals is a great honor and opportunity for the Town. Comprised of rodeos and cowboy athletes in New Mexico and Arizona, the Turquoise Circuit is part of the circuit system devised by the PRCA. After the regular season, top competitors from each event qualify to compete at the circuit finals rodeo. The Finals are the first weekend in November at the Arena.
Town Council approved two contracts totaling $1,505,362.61 to repair and improve portions of 19 town roads by June 30. Public Works put these projects out for bid and received five bids for road paving. PAP, LLC was the lowest bidder and was awarded the paving projects. The Town received three bids for the Cape Seal projects. Cactus Asphalt was awarded the Cape Seal projects as the low bidder. Completing these road projects will contribute to a measurable improvement of the overall inventory of Cave Creek roads as identified in the Town Council’s Strategic Plan Goals.
I’ve written extensively about our wildfire season and how it is now a year-round danger. I want to thank Jim Ford, our Town’s community risk reduction director, and firefighting experts from the Tonto National Forest, Arizona Department of Forestry and Management, Daisy Mountain Fire District, and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for their informative presentations on our region’s preparedness when a wildfire occurs. The presentation was recorded, and I encourage everyone to watch it. A link to the video is on the home page of the Town’s website at www.cavecreekaz.gov. By following the preventative measures presented, firefighters will have the best opportunity to protect you and your property. The most important preventative measure you can do every year is to create a defensible zone around your home. Remove dead grasses, tree limbs, and weeds at least 30 feet from your home.
Clear away or trim back bushes at least five feet from your driveways so you have a clear exit if you need to evacuate.
If you haven’t already done so, register for CodeRed. The CodeRed app will send a recorded message or text alert to CodeRed participants in an emergency, such as a wildfire or flood, and what actions should be taken to ensure their safety. You will find more information and registration for CodeRed at www.cavecreekaz.gov/codered. If you registered with our CodeRed system, now is the time to ensure your information is current.
Mayor Robert Morris
Town of Cave Creek
