Will Gilbert/Queen Creek, AZ Flood Irrigation continue? (Scottsdale: homes, landscaping)

[jratt50]

I'm looking to purchase a home on an irrigated acre+ in the Gilbert or Township of Queen Creek area.
Specifically, Gilbert areas south of the 202 in the Roosevelt Water Conservation District including Greenfield Rd area (Freeman Farms, Greenfield Acres, Greenfield Glen, etc). In Queen Creek, northern areas including the Rancho Jardines area.

I am wondering if flood irrigation will survive potential mandatory water restrictions which may be started within the next 2 years due to the 19 year drought on the Colorado river (Mead and Powell). The sources of irrigation water appear to vary... CAP water, Indian agreements for the Salt River and Verde River, reclaimed water, wells pumping replenished groundwater, etc. The water rights for different water companies and Arizona in general appear complex... especially in potential drought and rationing situations. I am also concerned with reduced use of irrigation due to reduced farming and the expansion of master planned developments building out small lots. Fewer customers to support canal maintenance and towns less willing to support/subsidize irrigation expenses. I'm wondering which water companies are reliable and more likely to continue operations without dramatic cost increases.

I am concerned about purchasing a property with mature trees and lawn and then having flood irrigation discontinued or rates for potable water increased dramatically. I've lived in north Scottsdale for 25 years... up by Pinnacle Peak and Troon mountain with mostly desert landscaping so flood irrigation is new to me.

I'd really appreciate any feedback...

[Sandduner]

Great question....I don't know, but I live in qc and have built and lived in 4 homes in basically the same neighborhood since 2000. Circle G . All of these are about an acre and have the ability to use irrigation.
I used it on the first 3 and the one I'm in now, I only have a small are of grass, so I use sprinklers. The cost of irrigation wasn't expensive and in qc , an employee would open and close the gates for you. I have a friend who lives on higley and pecos, and the homeowners are responsible for the opening and closing of their water. So if "your" water is coming at 3am for an hour , you need to make sure you can be there to get it. If that makes sense.
You have brought up some good questions, and it will be interesting to read other's replies.
What about contacting Rancho Jardines irrigation district and asking their thoughts? Not sure if they would even know.....

[JGMotorsport64]

The cuts are to CAP so I’d look for lots with rights to SRP. SRP is not being cut back and if you’re in their boundaries you actually have a right to the water.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by JGMotorsport64

The cuts are to CAP so I’d look for lots with rights to SRP. SRP is not being cut back and if you’re in their boundaries you actually have a right to the water.

SRP is in worse shape than the Colorado right now with respect to storage. However, when SRP cuts back on surface sources the pumps turn on - same with CAP. Irrigated lots will get their water. Anyway, no one has any idea what the water situation will be in two years, ten years or beyond. It's all media hype. If the weather pattern we are seeing now continues through the winter, we will be in good shape for years. If we get another one like last year, we will still be fine, but a little concerned.

[manchurainprez]

Originally Posted by jratt50

I'm looking to purchase a home on an irrigated acre+ in the Gilbert or Township of Queen Creek area.
Specifically, Gilbert areas south of the 202 in the Roosevelt Water Conservation District including Greenfield Rd area (Freeman Farms, Greenfield Acres, Greenfield Glen, etc). In Queen Creek, northern areas including the Rancho Jardines area.

I am wondering if flood irrigation will survive potential mandatory water restrictions which may be started within the next 2 years due to the 19 year drought on the Colorado river (Mead and Powell). The sources of irrigation water appear to vary... CAP water, Indian agreements for the Salt River and Verde River, reclaimed water, wells pumping replenished groundwater, etc. The water rights for different water companies and Arizona in general appear complex... especially in potential drought and rationing situations. I am also concerned with reduced use of irrigation due to reduced farming and the expansion of master planned developments building out small lots. Fewer customers to support canal maintenance and towns less willing to support/subsidize irrigation expenses. I'm wondering which water companies are reliable and more likely to continue operations without dramatic cost increases.

I am concerned about purchasing a property with mature trees and lawn and then having flood irrigation discontinued or rates for potable water increased dramatically. I've lived in north Scottsdale for 25 years... up by Pinnacle Peak and Troon mountain with mostly desert landscaping so flood irrigation is new to me.

I'd really appreciate any feedback...

There is no indication there is going to be any sort of water restrictions at all, If you have seen otherwise please link it.