Well-Attended SaddleBrooke Event Features Local Water Updates
On March 3, 2025, a packed auditorium was on hand for the “In the Know on H2O” program hosted by the SaddleBrooke Public Affairs Commission, a cross-community group that works proactively to organize programs that are relevant to SaddleBrooke residents’ quality of life. WRRC Director Sharon Megdal provided information on the local water context as a member of the program’s expert panel.
The program started with a presentation by representatives of JW Water, a utility holding company that recently acquired Lago del Oro Water Company and SaddleBrooke Utility Company, which had been established by SaddleBrooke developer Robson Communities. Wally Wilson, Water Resources Manager for Metro Water District and co-chair of the Lower Santa Cruz Basin Study, shared the findings from that study, which has not yet been finalized and released. Wilson’s presentation provided a good segue to Megdal’s presentation, “The Context for Local Water Provision and Management in Arizona,” which emphasized the setting for Arizona water management and how requirements of the Assured Water Supply program are met by the water providers serving SaddleBrooke. The final speaker, SaddleBrooke resident Tom Brothen, highlighted actions, including rainwater harvesting, that residents can take to reduce their demand for potable water supplies. The robust questioning following the presentations included several questions about potential rate increases, as the prior utilities had not implemented any rate increases for about 10 years. Attendees also had questions about the infrastructure investments detailed by JW Water and about aquifer and groundwater conditions for the area. Director Megdal invited all to engage with the WRRC by accessing our publications, County Factsheets, and other programming.