Water Sustainability
Water Sustainability: Planning Ahead to Protect Oro Valley’s Future
Water sustainability is one of the most important long-term issues facing Oro Valley, and throughout my eight years on Town Council and as Vice Mayor, I have focused on making the forward-thinking investments necessary to protect our community for generations to come.
In the desert Southwest, communities that fail to plan ahead eventually face serious consequences. I believe Oro Valley must lead with long-term thinking, sound infrastructure investment, and a commitment to sustainability, and we have a history of that leadership in our Town.
Reducing Dependence on Groundwater
For decades, communities across Arizona relied heavily on groundwater pumping. But groundwater is a finite resource, and reducing our dependence on it has been one of my priorities.
That is why I strongly supported the Northwest Recharge, Recovery, and Delivery System (NWRRDS)—one of the most important regional water sustainability projects in Southern Arizona. Through an Intergovernmental Agreement, Oro Valley, Marana, and Metro Water District collaborated to build and maintain the infrastructure to jointly recover stored Central Arizona Project (CAP) water in Avra Valley as well as other CAP water and deliver it to our respective areas. This project allows Oro Valley to dramatically increase the use of renewable Colorado River water delivered through the system, while we continue to store water underground for future generations.
A Major Investment in Oro Valley’s Future
The Town of Oro Valley invested approximately $50 million into this critical infrastructure project because protecting our long-term water future requires action, not simply discussion. The NWRRDS combined with Tucson’s system gives Oro Valley access to 7,000 acre-feet of CAP water, significantly strengthening our long-term water portfolio and reducing reliance on groundwater pumping. To put that in perspective, one acre-foot of water is enough to supply roughly three Arizona households for a year. This was not a short-term council decision. It was a strategic investment designed to ensure Oro Valley remains sustainable and resilient far into the future. This project is expected to be completed in 2027.
Storing Water for Future Generations
One of the most important aspects of the NWRRDS project is underground recharge and storage. During periods when water demand is lower, CAP water can be stored underground in aquifer systems rather than lost. That stored water can later be recovered and delivered when needed. This approach helps stabilize long-term water supplies, protects aquifer health, and creates greater security for Oro Valley residents during future drought conditions and Colorado River shortages.
Sustainability Through Infrastructure and Conservation
Water sustainability is not achieved through slogans. It requires real infrastructure, long-term planning, and the willingness to make significant investments before problems arise. The Northwest Recharge, Recovery, and Delivery System represents exactly the kind of proactive leadership I believe Oro Valley needs: identifying future challenges early and implementing practical solutions before they become crises. Because of these water infrastructure investments, Oro Valley is in a stronger position today to responsibly manage water resources for future generations.
In Oro Valley we also lead in Water Conservation. Our Water system allows for very little leakage, much less than most cities. We have implemented a Water-smart system that helps residents know when they may have leaks that could use excess water. And we continue to encourage conservation through both messaging and pricing to ensure that we have water supplies needed well into the future. We are a 100 year assured water provider.
Leadership Focused on the Long Term
Throughout my time on Council, I have worked to ensure Oro Valley remains fiscally strong, environmentally responsible, and prepared for the future. Protecting water resources is central to that mission. I have also been more careful than some others when it comes to possibly annexing large portions of vacant land to protect our water rights and ensure that Oro Valley has the water supplies our community needs well into the future.
As Mayor, I will continue supporting sustainable water policies that prioritize long-term security, responsible stewardship, and thoughtful investment in Oro Valley’s future.