NE Valley Times

The City of Scottsdale has announced its readiness to assist following the signing of Arizona Senate Bill 1432 into law. The legislation aims to address the sustainable water supply challenges faced by Maricopa County residents in the Rio Verde Foothills area.

Scottsdale collaborated with legislators and the Governor’s office to ensure that the bill aligns with the city's interests. According to city officials, this new law will allow Scottsdale to temporarily treat water sourced from a third party for use in the unincorporated Rio Verde Foothills region.

A significant aspect of this arrangement is the establishment of a standpipe district, which will be responsible for acquiring water and reimbursing Scottsdale for its treatment services. "Scottsdale would work with a newly created standpipe district that would be responsible for obtaining the water that Scottsdale would treat, and the city would be reimbursed for the full reasonable costs of service," states a release from Scottsdale's City Manager’s Office.

Furthermore, the standpipe district will manage contracts, billing customers, and compensating Scottsdale without holding it liable once water is delivered at the standpipe. Importantly, "Scottsdale's own water would not be used and Scottsdale's state mandated Drought Management Plan would not be affected."

Only 750 homes are eligible under this plan. The next step involves establishing an intergovernmental agreement between Scottsdale and the standpipe district, subject to approval by the City Council.

Mayor David D. Ortega emphasized proactive measures taken by local government: “Sometimes the mirage in the distance causes the nearest oasis to be overlooked. On Feb. 21, the Scottsdale City Council anticipated the terms of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and unanimously approved a draft IGA for providing a temporary water supply to Rio Verde Foothills." He further stated that he believes this agreement protects local resources while adhering to fiscal responsibility.