Thank you again for joining us for the October 29 Water & Heat Symposium! We've received some encouraging feedback, and we appreciate your interest and participation in learning more about the water challenges facing our North Central Phoenix neighborhoods.
As we discussed at the symposium, water is becoming an increasingly important issue for our Valley, and the decisions we make today will have a lasting impact on the future of our community.
Phoenix's Water Outlook
The City of Phoenix is currently in Stage 1 – Water Alert under its Drought Management Plan and anticipates moving to Stage 2 – Water Warning in January 2027. With significant reductions in Colorado River supplies on the horizon, the City is encouraging residents to become more mindful of their water consumption.
Fortunately, our North Central Phoenix neighborhoods have something many communities do not: access to a valuable secondary water resource through the Salt River Project (SRP) flood irrigation system.
This is an important neighborhood asset, and we should take advantage of it!
Where SRP irrigation is available, using this water to nourish our lawns, gardens, mature trees and landscapes helps reduce our dependence on the City's treated drinking water supply. It also helps sustain the beautiful, established tree canopy that makes North Central Phoenix such a special place to live.
Our large, mature trees are particularly important. They provide shade, reduce surrounding temperatures, support wildlife and contribute to the character of our neighborhoods. Maintaining their health requires adequate water, and flood irrigation can play an important role in that effort.
The Opportunity: Exploring an Irrigation Water Delivery District (IWDD)
One of the topics generating considerable interest at the symposium was the possibility of establishing an Irrigation Water Delivery District (IWDD).
An IWDD is a neighborhood-managed special taxing district that provides a way for participating property owners to collectively fund the maintenance and repair of their private irrigation infrastructure. It can help ensure that our irrigation systems remain functional and that maintenance costs are shared equitably.
Establishing a district is a process, and we encourage residents to learn more before making any decisions. Here are several ways to get started:
1. Watch the Symposium Recording
If you weren't able to attend, or would like to revisit the presentations, you can find the symposium recording and related information here:
https://floodirrigationaz.com/ncpha-heat-water-symposium.html
Please share this resource with your neighbors!
2. Understand Your SRP Neighborhood and Irrigation Resources
One important point we want every resident to understand: All properties within our North Central Phoenix neighborhood boundaries are part of the SRP flood irrigation area, even if they aren't currently receiving irrigation water.
This is a valuable resource that we should better understand and, where possible, utilize. If your property isn't currently receiving irrigation water, there may be options worth exploring.
To view your SRP neighborhood map:
Visit the SRP website and log in to your account or create one.
Navigate to MySubdivision → View Map (lower right).
The map identifies properties within your SRP neighborhood.
If you aren't currently receiving irrigation water, or have questions about accessing your irrigation resources, at 602-236-3333.
Stephen Peterson, SRP's contact for our North Central Phoenix area, can help answer questions and explain what options may be available for your property.
3. Learn More About Forming an IWDD
SRP has developed a helpful resource explaining the benefits, process and requirements for establishing an Irrigation Water Delivery District.
Visit: How to Form an Irrigation Water Delivery District
4. Connect With People Who Can Help
There are people available to answer questions and guide you toward additional information:
Stephen Peterson – Salt River Project: Stephen is the SRP contact for our North Central Phoenix area. Call 602-236-3333 and leave a message. He will return your call within the week. Stephen can also help if you aren't currently receiving irrigation water but would like to explore what is involved.
Christine Clouse – Neighborhood Initiative: Christine is helping lead efforts in one North Central Phoenix neighborhood that hopes to establish an IWDD within the next six months. If you would like to ask questions or learn more about their plans and process, feel free to call or text her at 480-238-5007.
The Next Step Starts With Conversation
The symposium was a beginning, not an ending. The more residents who understand our water challenges and learn about their options, the better positioned our neighborhoods will be to make informed decisions about the future.
We have an opportunity to protect an important resource, preserve our mature trees and landscapes, and work together to maintain the infrastructure that makes flood irrigation possible.
Please share this information with your neighbors. Joining forces with nearby neighborhoods could also strengthen our efforts and create opportunities for collaboration.
Thank you again for being part of this important conversation. We look forward to keeping the momentum going!