At a recent Apache Junction City Council meeting, Water District Manager Mike Loggins delivered updates on the city’s water allocation and involvement in the Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Project, a collaborative effort led by Salt River Project (SRP) to restore and increase water storage capacity along the Verde River.
Loggins reported that Apache Junction’s initial water allocation of 7,942 acre-feet from a total of 300,000 acre-feet has been reduced due to new project participants and other factors. The addition of Cave Creek, which requested 1,000 acre-feet to service their existing customers after being cut off by Scottsdale last year, has impacted the allocation for existing partners. Note that the 1,000 acre-feet does not include allocation for future customers in Cave Creek.
Interestingly, SRP’s discovery of historical data has shed new light on the reservoirs’ capacity. Maps from 1977 and a hand-drawn map from 1939 revealed that an additional 4,423 acre-feet of capacity originally existed in water structures but had been lost over time due to sedimentation and other factors. This discovery identifies volume that could potentially be restored using sedimentation management and other techniques.
Despite this potential for restoration, Apache Junction’s allocation was reduced by approximately 1,200 acre-feet resulting from the addition of new participants. Loggins warned of potential further reductions, stating that the final allocation could be cut by 20% to 50%, with more precise figures expected in February. The Bureau of Reclamation’s obligations could potentially cut the initially projected 300,000 acre-feet for the project by half.
To address the regions water challenges, the Bureau of Reclamation coordinated the Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Study Appraisal Report in December 2021. The report identified expanding Bartlett Dam as a promising solution to enlarge the reservoir’s capacity and better manage sediment buildup. This project, now authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, could raise Bartlett Dam by about 100 feet, similar to the successful expansion of Roosevelt Dam in the 1990s.
The expanded Bartlett Dam project offers significant benefits. It would allow the capture of more water during wet winters, providing a buffer during drought periods. The additional capacity gained under the proposed plan would equate to a year’s worth of water for a million homes. Moreover, the project will help central Arizona manage shortage conditions on the Colorado River and reduce reliance on nonrenewable water supplies like groundwater.
Concurrent with these water challenges, Apache Junction is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in its southern region. Loggins reported a 40% increase in water service connections over the past 18 months, with the total rising from 4,500 to approximately 6,250. He projected that the water district could double in size by mid to late 2025, serving about a third of Apache Junction’s total population.
To address immediate challenges, the water district is prioritizing existing demands and committed future demands. This strategy aims to protect current customers and honor existing commitments, particularly for state land development areas within Apache Junction.
Despite the reduction in water allocation, Loggins reassured the council that the city would only be obligated to pay for the water it actually receives. This could potentially reduce the financial burden from an estimated $22 million to around $18 million.
Residents of Apache Junction should stay informed about:
- Updates to the city’s water allocation
- Potential changes in water-related costs
- City planning efforts related to rapid growth and water infrastructure
- Developments in the Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Project
- Opportunities for water conservation
As Apache Junction navigates these complex water management issues while managing rapid growth, the success of projects like the Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation will be crucial in securing a sustainable water future for the community.
