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Eric Orsborn on Buckeye
3 5 7 the official publication of the city of Buckeye
October 2025
The Harquahala Investment
Investing in Buckeye’s Water Infrastructure
Water & Wastewater Rate Committee
Conservation is Key to Buckeye’s Water Future
CITY OF BUCKEYE
530 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326
623.349.6000
For more information on this publication, contact John O’Halloran at johalloran@buckeyeaz.gov
BUCKEYE CITY COUNCIL
Eric Orsborn, Mayor
Tony Youngker, District 1
Jamaine Berry, District 2
Curtis Beard, District 3
Patrick HagEstad, District 4
Craig Heustis, Vice Mayor, District 5
Clay Goodman, District 6
COUNCIL UPDATE
Mayor
Buckeye offers a wide array of services and programs designed to enrich your life. From facilitating your international travel to fostering a strong sense of community, we strive to provide resources that cater to your diverse needs and interests.
One of the most common questions we hear is: Is Buckeye running out of Water? The simple answer is no. The more complex answer is: The city has enough water for its existing customer as well as for growth into the foreseeable future. However, as the city continues to grow, new supplies of water will need to be obtained to meet future demands for water. For years, the city has worked to diversify its water portfolio, enact strict conservation codes and adopt citywide water management policies. These efforts will ensure that reliable and sustainable supplies will be made available for generations to come.
This past year marked significant progress in that effort. The passage of SB 1611, also known as “Ag-to-Urban”, is one of the most important pieces of water legislation since the 1980 Groundwater Management Act (GMA). Another milestone for Buckeye was securing the city’s first-ever approved Transportation Order to export groundwater from the Harquahala Irrigation Non-Expansion Area (INA). This achievement will eventually provide the city with access to nearly 600,000 acre-feet of water, ensuring another stable supply as Buckeye continues to grow.
Buckeye is also committed to water conservation. From adopting progressive development codes that require waterefficient landscapes, to investing in infrastructure that maximizes efficiency and reliability, the city is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future.
In the pages ahead, you’ll discover more about the innovative steps Buckeye is taking to strengthen its water portfolio and improve infrastructure. There is still much work to do, but with a solid foundation in place, Buckeye is flowing in the right direction.
Growing Buckeye’s Water Portfolio:
The Harquahala Investment
I
n 2023, Buckeye entered into a purchase agreement for one acre of land in the Harquahala Valley, not for the land itself but for the water rights that come with it. This $80 million investment will provide nearly 600,000 acre-feet of water, adding a major new supply to Buckeye’s long-term water portfolio.
On July 18, 2025, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) approved the first-ever Transportation Order to move this water from the Harquahala INA to Buckeye. While it may take five to ten years before this water reaches Buckeye customers, it is a critical investment that will help Buckeye grow sustainably for generations.
The road ahead includes agreements with the Central Arizona Project (CAP) to transport the water, environmental evaluations and major infrastructure projects to pump, treat and deliver it to Buckeye for use.
Though the impacts won’t be immediate, this milestone strengthens Buckeye’s proactive water management strategy and supports the city’s vision for responsible growth and long-term prosperity.
Did you know? THE CITY MAINTAINS 3,800 FIRE HYDRANTS
4 LIFT STATIONS
OBuckeye has over 400 miles of sewer lines
n July 26, 2025, Governor Hobbs signed SB 1611 (Groundwater Savings Credit) into law. The bipartisan legislation, known as Ag to Urban, is considered the most significant water bill passed since the 1980 Groundwater Management Act.
With the Governor’s moratorium on using groundwater for new housing, Ag to Urban offers a way forward. Landowners with historically irrigated farmland can convert their agricultural groundwater rights into groundwater credits that can be used for new residential development. These credits reserve a smaller share of groundwater for future homes at levels significantly less than what farming requires, creating long-term savings in the aquifer.
8, CITY MAINTAINS
10,000+ VALVES Did you know?
3,800 FIRE HYDRANTS
Buckeye has four water reclamation facilities treating 5.8 million gallons per day
MANHOLES
Ag to Urban: Ag to Urban: A
Landmark Step in Arizona Water Policy
The impact is substantial, in the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA) alone, it’s estimated the legislation will save at least 7.1 million acre-feet of water over the next 100 years.
While Ag to Urban focuses on water savings, it also recognizes the value of agriculture to Arizona’s identity. Buckeye is proud of its agricultural heritage and remains committed to working with local farmers so that agriculture continues to play a role in our city’s future.
Did you know?
Buckeye’s Water Resources Department maintains over 10,000 valves!
SMANHOLE 8, THE CITY MAINTAINS
10,000+ VALVES
RECENT INVESTMENTS
DRINKING WATER – $153M+
• Secured 592,600 acre-feet per year of Harquahala water ($80M)
• Purchased 18,000+ acre-feet of groundwater credits ($6.4M) that can be used to offset groundwater pumped
• Secured a $12M federal grant for new recovery well in the Tartesso system to support the establishment of an Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply (ADAWS)
3,800 FIRE SHYDRANT
Investing in Buckeye’s Water Infrastructure
Buckeye’s Water Resource Department manages more than $700 million in water infrastructure assets across 640 square miles, serving over 30,000 customers. In addition, the water utility manages nearly $160 million in water portfolio assets (rights to water). The Department also manages an additional $450 million worth of wastewater infrastructure assets. The wastewater utility produces the reclaimed water supply used to offset groundwater pumped by the water utility. The city’s utilities are enterprise funds, meaning utilities are fully funded by water and wastewater rates and every dollar is reinvested directly back into operating and maintaining the systems. No general fund (tax) dollars are used by the utilities and no enterprise funds are used for general fund purposes.
Over the past year alone, Buckeye has invested over $125 million dollars in its water portfolio and utility infrastructure to ensure the utility systems operate as efficiently and effectively as possible given the available funds. Reliability, sustainability and planning for the future are at the core of everything we do.
• Cleaned 63 miles of water lines as part of a 10-year maintenance plan
WASTEWATER – $30M+
• Invested over $25M in major system rehabilitation at two water reclamation facilities ensuring optimal operation at the facilities
• Replaced or upgraded critical treatment equipment in Tartesso and Festival systems ($5M)
• Inspected 21 miles of sewer mains and cleaned 42 miles across the city
These investments represent more than pipes and facilities; they represent long-term security for our growing city. By expanding our water portfolio, upgrading treatment systems and maintaining existing infrastructure, Buckeye is building a strong foundation to sustain growth for generations.
2025 Citizen Water and Wastewater Rates Committee
As is with nearly everything in life, the costs of goods and services never go down over time. Providing water and wastewater services are not immune from this statement. Buckeye has achieved some significant water and wastewater milestones since its last rate adjustment in 2013. While holding rates steady over the past 12 years may have been beneficial to customers, it made it increasingly difficult to maintain the appropriate level of service as time went on. Since 2013, the cost of every facet of providing service increased, as did the age and number of assets required to provide service. Ongoing operational and commodity costs, such as maintenance, electricity, chemicals, steel, concrete and personnel costs also significantly increased over that period of time. And during that same time, the drought continued and the availability of water supplies in the western part of the country continued to go down, making the cost of the available supplies also increase.
To ensure long-term reliability and sustainability, Buckeye Water Resources launched an evaluation of utility rates for recommendation to City Council. As part of the evaluation and recommendation, the 2025 Citizen Water and Wastewater Rates Committee was established by Council and is comprised of community members who have been meeting bi-weekly for the last couple of months to assist city staff with this effort. Their role is to:
• Ensure community involvement and transparency in shaping the proposed rate structure
• Assist staff in developing fair, reasonable rates
• Recommend a final structure to City Council
Did know?you
Buckeye has over 400 miles of sewer lines.
Buckeye has over 400 miles of sewer lines
PUBLIC MEETINGS
The Committee and Buckeye Water Resources staff will share their findings on new potential rates and rate structures at three public meetings in November:
• NOVEMBER 3, 6 - 8 p.m.
Sun City Festival Fire Station 704 27360 W. Wagner Complex Dr.
• NOVEMBER 5, 6 - 8 p.m.
Buckeye City Hall Council Chambers 530 E. Monroe Ave.
• NOVEMBER 6, 6 - 8p.m.
Sundance HOA Ballroom 930 S. Sundance Pkwy.
These meetings are your opportunity to learn more, ask questions and provide input on how Buckeye can continue delivering safe, reliable water and wastewater services for generations to come.
is Key to Buckeye’s Water Future Conservation
When it comes to long-term water sustainability, every drop counts. Simple actions like fixing leaks, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, or running full loads in your dishwasher or washing machine can make a real difference.
But did you know Buckeye also offers several incentives to help customers take their conservation efforts even further? Programs include:
Rebates for replacing highwater-use turf with desert-friendly landscaping
Discounts on water-efficient toilets
Support for smart irrigation systems and controllers
These programs are designed to make it easier and more affordable for residents to save water, lower bills and help sustain Buckeye’s growing community. Find out more on how you can potentially save big bucks on your next project at buckeyeaz.gov/rebates.
