NE Valley Times

The City of Scottsdale has reiterated its stance regarding the water supply to Rio Verde Foothills, a community governed by Maricopa County. The city emphasized that it is not responsible for providing water to Rio Verde, citing its mandated drought plan as a primary reason for this position.

Scottsdale officials have stated that "nothing in the city's action precludes residents in Rio Verde Foothills from purchasing water from other sources." Water haulers who previously sourced water from Scottsdale can access supplies from other jurisdictions and continue to serve the homes in Rio Verde.

Rio Verde Foothills is part of unincorporated Maricopa County, with local governance provided by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Historically, commercial water haulers filled their tanks at Scottsdale's fill stations. However, due to an unprecedented drought affecting the Colorado River, Scottsdale has stopped allowing its water to be transported outside city limits in line with its Drought Management Plan.

The city's municipal utility, Scottsdale Water, was developed specifically for residents and businesses within Scottsdale. This infrastructure was funded through user rates and fees paid by these users.

Scottsdale holds a 100-year Assured Water Supply certification from the Arizona Department of Water Resources. This designation covers only those within the city's service area and does not extend to residents outside this zone who are not connected to Scottsdale’s delivery system.

A memo dated December 19 provides further details on this issue and outlines Scottsdale's position in response to a petition submitted to the City Council.