Queen Creek reports doubled water conservation savings, advances Harquahala acquisition testing

Queen Creek reports doubled water conservation savings, advances Harquahala acquisition testingThe Arizona municipality has achieved significant demand reductions through a new Salt River Project partnership while authorizing essential design and laboratory contracts to secure its future water supply.

The town's water conservation programs saved 497 acre-feet in 2025, up from 230 acre-feet in 2024.

A new five-year, $200,000-per-year partnership with the Salt River Project will fund residential and non-residential water reduction efforts.

The council approved a $250,000 increase for laboratory services related to the Harquahala Water Acquisition Projects.

Huitt Zollars was awarded a $306,900 contract to design two major waterline replacement projects.

The Town Council of Queen Creek, Arizona, received a comprehensive update on its water conservation efforts during its August 5, 2026, meeting, highlighting substantial demand reductions alongside the approval of multiple water infrastructure and acquisition contracts. Water Conservation Program Manager Deina Burns reported that the town's conservation initiatives, including a Residential Turf Conversion Program and a Non-Residential Water Efficient Technologies program, yielded 497 acre-feet of water savings in 2025. This represents a significant increase from the 230 acre-feet saved in 2024. Burns also detailed a new water reduction partnership with the Salt River Project (SRP), which began on July 1. The program provides $200,000 annually for five years, with costs split evenly between the town and SRP. Of this annual funding, $50,000 is allocated to residential projects and $150,000 to non-residential efforts. The town has already received approximately 15 residential and three non-residential applications. Additionally, Queen Creek is currently seeking a Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) WaterSMART grant to further support residential conservation. Mayor Julia Wheatley emphasized the importance of these initiatives, noting that beyond environmental concerns, securing water is both costly and cumbersome for the municipality. In parallel with demand management, the council approved several consent agenda items advancing the town's water supply and distribution infrastructure. This included an additional $250,000 in spending authority for Legend Technical to provide water laboratory services specifically for the Harquahala Water Acquisition Projects. The approval brings the total contract authority for water lab services to $425,000. The council also awarded a $306,900 contract to Huitt Zollars for the design of the Queen Creek Ranchettes Phase 1 Waterline Replacement and the Sossaman Silver Creek: Via Del Jardin Waterline Replacement projects. Furthermore, the council authorized a Water Production, Wheeling and Delivery Agreement and a Groundwater Savings Facility Storage Agreement with the New Magma Irrigation & Drainage District. To support ongoing wastewater planning, the council approved FY 25-26 budget amendments reallocating $31,285.96 to cover expenses for a 2025 Wastewater Capacity Fee Study.