In a panel discussion last month moderated by Pinal County Supervisor Jeff Serdy, representatives from Salt River Project, EPCOR and Arizona Water Company addressed the question of water infrastructure and the pressure on water utilities to expand service.
SRP Senior Project Manager in Economic Development Karla Moran said she was impressed by recent growth in Pinal County and how water needs have been addressed, adding that large water users with contiguous parcels under one owner has been a useful economic and development tool.
Moran added SRP is planning for 20-50 years down the road and investigating water management on the Verde River, including the possibility of raising the dam at Bartlett Lake to add reservoir capacity. The infrastructure bill provided funding in support of the measure.
She also said SRP is paying careful attention to the North-South Freeway and looking into how the utility can best plan for commercial and residential needs along the route.
Moran also pointed out SRP’s heavy involvement in solar development as part of its long-term sustainability and resource efficiency goals.
EPCOR Water Resources Manager Doug Dunham said his company has the infrastructure and municipal partnerships in place to address expanding existing systems.
EPCOR took over failed water company Johnson Utilities and has rebranded its regional operations as The San Tan Water System.
Dunham said EPCOR has the experience and expertise to address and plan for developments’ need to assure a 100-year water supply.
Arizona Water Company VP of Engineering Andy Haas said his company sees a key component of water solutions as partnerships between utilities and wastewater management to re-use water as much as possible. He noted Arizona Water Company works with each partner to determine the most economic and efficient balance between service and conservation. (Source)