Peoria advances $104.2 million water rights and infrastructure purchase from Vidler Water Company
City of Peoria Utilities Department, Arizona · Meeting date: September 15, 2026 · Published: September 16, 2026
The city is acquiring long-term storage credits and associated infrastructure to secure additional water supplies as the Bureau of Reclamation reduces Colorado River allotments to Arizona.
Key points
- The Peoria City Council considered Resolution 2026-112 to approve two purchase and sale agreements with Vidler Water Company.
- The $104.2 million transaction includes long-term storage credits, land, and water infrastructure.
- The acquisition is a strategic response to a 20% to 25% reduction in Colorado River water allotments to Lower Basin states.
- The purchase aims to enhance and diversify the city's long-term water portfolio.
Full report
The City of Peoria, Arizona, is advancing a significant acquisition to secure its long-term water supply in response to regional drought measures. According to meeting documents for the September 15, 2026, city council session, officials considered a $104.2 million purchase of water rights, land, and infrastructure from Vidler Water Company.
The proposed transaction, outlined in Resolution 2026-112, involves two purchase and sale agreements designed to enhance and diversify the municipality's water portfolio. The acquisition includes long-term storage credits alongside the physical assets and land necessary to support the city's water network.
The strategic move is directly driven by federal actions regarding the Colorado River. The United States Bureau of Reclamation has initiated a 20% to 25% reduction in Colorado River water allotments to Lower Basin states, which includes Arizona. Peoria's purchase from Vidler Water Company is intended to buffer the local utility against these significant supply cuts and ensure resilience for its water customers.
The agreements represent a major capital investment for the city as it navigates tightening water availability across the region.
This summary was generated by AI based on the source document and may contain errors.
Source: City Council Meeting, City of Peoria Utilities Department