There’s an old western saying, Whiskey’s for drinkin’, water’s for fightin’, and the Carefree/Cave Creek water divorce has been no exception. There’s a lot of consternation about our recent water projects, and I get that. Many feel they’re too expensive, and some complain the tank site on Tom Darlington is unsightly. It seems that no matter how Town leaders try to defend the improvements and their benefits, some folks keep on fightin’ this dead horse.
However, to put it simply, if we don’t control our own water, someone else will, and not to our benefit. In this desert, water, and the rights to it, are absolutely critical to any Town, not to mention our own homes. It’s been one heck of a fight, but in the end, both Carefree and Cave Creek are coming out winners.
These projects are not cheap – far from it – and there’s no doubt we’re a frugal bunch – but they are the right thing to do for our future, especially as the western States gear up for an epic whiskey drinkin’ water fightin’ battle over our dwindling regional supplies. Don’t be surprised if, or when, our Colorado River allotments are decreased.
We’re now far better positioned for this future, and Carefree is taking another smart long term step toward water security by participating in the Bartlett Dam Expansion Project, which could become an important additional future source. Yes, this is all very costly, but good infrastructure simply is not cheap.
Thanks, and here’s a whiskey toast to all those fightin’ for a win-win, sustainable and secure water future for both of our beautiful Towns, Carefree and Cave Creek.
Peter Budnick
Carefree Resident
