Special Editorial for B & B
WATER ISSUES
DRIVE CONCERNS IN RIO VERDE Years ago, a citizens group rolled up its sleeves to try to find a way to give the Rio Verde residents some water As a lifelong Arizonan, I understand water stability. Now, their idea of a domestic water improvement challenges are especially pronounced in our district (DWID) has been presented to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. desert climate. As the county supervisor I applaud the group for coming up with a possible solution. However, I’ve also spoken with many folks who don’t like the representing the Rio Verde Foothills, I of creating a new taxing district (aka the DWID) in the Rio realize how personal it is to people out here, idea Verde Foothills area – even if the DWID does not include their especially as new folks move property; they want to take responsibility for themselves and have others to do the in and new homes are built. same. They’re uneasy about the power I understand all of that. And yet I the DWID might have in making decisions actually disagree with the oft-quoted about their water. They don’t necessarily line that whiskey is for drinking and want government getting involved in water is for fighting. I think water solving the community’s water problems. can bring us together, even here Of course, I understand, respect and in Rio Verde where there’s great won’t ignore these concerns and I have disagreement right now about the best committed my time and focus on finding a way to ensure everybody in the area solution that brings broader support. has access to clean water. If the last year has taught me anything, Since the Rio Verde Foothills it’s that we need one another. We rise is unincorporated, residents don’t together, and we fall together. automatically get water service from a That is why I’m gathering a lot of city or town. The County is not a water different perspectives to see if there’s a Steve Chucri provider. So the people of the Rio Verde compromise to be had. I am meeting with Foothills have had to find other sources of Maricopa County local water providers to determine their water. Some have wells. Some use private capacity. I’m taking a close look at state law Supervisor utilities like Global Water. Others rely on regarding water districts. I have met with the District 2 hauled water, much of which comes from the Real Estate Commissioner to discuss how City of Scottsdale. we can work together to deal with bad actors The thing that unites everyone in the area is the fact that aren’t following state real estate laws. I am working with that the water supply here is tenuous. Wells can dry up. residents on both sides of this issue with the goal of ensuring Private companies can make changes based on business every single person I represent has access to that most needs. The City of Scottsdale has been a great partner, essential of all resources: water. but with the entire southwest facing dire drought conditions, This is a critical time for the Rio Verde Foothills, a beautiful the City recently adopted a drought management plan that place with an independent streak I love. would mean no more water being trucked into the Rio Verde Now is the time to find a long-term solution to our water Foothills at a future date unless conditions dramatically issues. Sure, we could keep drinking whiskey and fighting change for the positive in the future. over water, but where will that leave us in five or ten years? Every single person in the Rio Verde Foothills has a stake In the same exact place. That’s not acceptable to me, and I in finding a new path forward. don’t think it’s good for the Rio Verde Foothills, either.
By Steve Chucri
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“Every single person in the Rio Verde Foothills has a stake in finding a new path forward.” AUGUST 2021
