Water situation in Green Valley, AZ (HOA fees, home, buying)

[traveler1150]

We are contemplating retiring in GV in a few years, but are put off by the threat of there being no water within 10 years. Does anyone know what the current situation is and what the current predictions are?

[brewman1947]

In short, the outlook for water supply in the Green Valley area is not good. There are many documents that point this out. The main reason is that water law in Arizona allows for anyone to take as much as they want without consequences. Therefore the existing mines and agriculture deplete over 85% of the yearly usage and the rest is to golf courses and finally the public. And this is all potable water, good drinking water. You might ask why the mines and agriculture and golf courses need potable water in lieu of reused recycled water. Simply put, they dont, but there is no incentive for them to change their abusive ways.

so i would think seriously before buying in the area. just be aware of the water supply issue. It is a lovely area with great weather, but there is likely to be severe water shortage within ten years, and no forseeable cure. This could influence home values and jobs as well as just the ability to survive in this region. Without water humans do not do well.

[traveler1150]

Thanks! We have decided not to purchase in GV.

[kpsunshine]

We too are seriously considering a move into Quail Creek in Green Valley. We specifically asked about the water supply and were told that Robson must prove that they will have sufficient water for many years. Can't remember now whether it was 25, 50 or 100 years. Does your statement also include the Robson community?

Please advise.

[traveler1150]

Although all development's (or most) water supplies are required to be certified by the state as viable for many years, it does not mean they really are. There is a large aquifer under GV, but it is dropping. I am not sure I can trust the water projections, but that is not the reason we did not buy in GV. By the way, why a Robson community? We decided against them because 1) they are not in the GV rec area, and 2) the HOA fees are much higher because of the private golf course.

[nickw252]

In addition to there not being enough water, it is heavily polluted from the mines and generally not safe to drink for long periods of time.

[LordBalfor]

Originally Posted by nickw252

In addition to there not being enough water, it is heavily polluted from the mines and generally not safe to drink for long periods of time.

Yeah, that's the biggest factor. Use Google Earth or BING.COM and take a look at Green Valley from the air. The proximity of Green Valley to huge open pit copper mines is VERY obvious. Green Valley is literally right next to the pits. Now, consider the arsenic, lead, copper, zinc, selenium, and other heavy metal contamination from open pit copper mining that leeches into the groundwater in the immediate area.

Green Valley is a BEAUTIFUL area - but I would NOT drink the local water.

Ken

[nickw252]

Originally Posted by LordBalfor

Green Valley is a BEAUTIFUL area

Green Valley may be a beautiful area but the town is pretty miserable. It's just a bunch of subdivisions sprawled out in the desert with no real community or town feeling.

[Boompa]

Originally Posted by traveler1150

Thanks! We have decided not to purchase in GV.

Not that I care but, When I see them stop watering Golf Courses I will believe it's serious

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by Boompa

Not that I care but, When I see them stop watering Golf Courses I will believe it's serious

They are watering with Grey water