Phoenix, Arizona’s EPCOR Water, and Maricopa Water District announced an innovative agreement on the 17th of November 2015 that will assist in supplying water needs in western metropolitan Phoenix as land uses changes from farming to residential.
The partnership is signed for 50 years, allowing EPCOR Water to purchase water from MWD and ultimately decrease its reliance on groundwater pumping.
This agreement has been hailed as the first public-private water resources agreement of its kind and it allows the West Valley to embrace growth as a residential area.
EIN News reports:
“Ensuring the daily delivery of clean, safe water to our customers requires long-range planning, something that is deeply rooted in our company” said Troy Day, Vice President of EPCOR Water’s Arizona operations. “This agreement memorializes our great relationship with the Maricopa Water District and ensures that, together, we will meet the needs of the growing West Valley.”
MWD General Manager Glen Vortherms called the agreement “a win for the West Valley and a win for the future.”
“We are thrilled to be part of this historic agreement,” Vortherms said. “As land within MWD transitions from agriculture to homes and businesses, it is important that we also transition the use of our water resources. This will help us stay ahead of future demand, continuing a proud Arizona tradition of long-range water planning.”
Joe Gysel, president of EPCOR Water’s U.S. operations, agreed, saying: “This 50-year agreement with the Maricopa Water District is a key move for the future of EPCOR’s water supply portfolio, and another example of the thoughtful approach to water management in Arizona.”
Arizona is doing well to stay ahead in the battle of long-term water utility infrastructure management and such partnerships will become all the more frequent as water resources dwindle in the desert states.
Inframanage.com observes that working collaboratively with neighbors and public-private arrangements can often provide better alternative solutions than just relying on your own resources.
These types of arrangements are worth considering as you develop your optimum long-term program to deliver services to your community.
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Wilson via Flickr Creative Commons License.
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