FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 19, 2023
New Legislation from Senator Wadsack
Provides Solution to Rio Verde's Water Woes
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— After a grueling six months without water for the residents of the Rio Verde community, relief is soon headed their way, thanks to a bill just signed into law and championed by Senator Justine Wadsack.
After several failed attempts by local, county and state government to provide a fix to this devastating issue for the people of Rio Verde, SB 1432 (assured water; small residential developments) now directs the City of Scottsdale to work with a newly established standpipe district for a period of up to three years to treat and transport water to homes within this community. Before that three-year period ends, EPCOR will obtain the legal authorization to permanently serve these residents.
"Every single citizen within our state should have access to clean drinking water. This has been an incredibly stressful and heartbreaking ordeal for this community," said Senator Wadsack. "On average, each Arizona resident uses about 146 gallons of water per day. However, one Rio Verde resident told us she and her husband have been getting by on just 10 gallons per day between the both of them. They've struggled with doing the most basic things we take for granted, like washing dishes, laundry, bathing and flushing toilets. Water is life, and it's a God-given, precious resource. I'm thankful our Legislators could come together in a bipartisan manner to get water flowing again for this community. This is just one of several water issues I know we can tackle as a team at the Legislature to provide security to all Arizona residents. I look forward to advocating for more water-related solutions during my time here at the Senate."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov