Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oro Valley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in water utilities
Lower Basin States 700-Plus Plan
Oro Valley would leave up to 4,000 acre-feet of its CAP water in Lake Mead annually for 2027-28, on top of an expected 14% shortage cut, in exchange for equal long-term storage credits. The town saves about $1.3 million a year in delivery charges, which staff wants to bank toward securing future water supplies through long-term leases.
Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Water Rate Adjustments
Proposed rates would raise a typical five-eighths-inch residential bill using 7,000 gallons by $2.57 a month — about 4.8% — keeping increases under the 5% goal. Rates remain the lowest in Southern Arizona for most customers. The commission held off on recommending until January over questions about untouched top tiers and a new cash reserve policy.
Water Utility Capital Improvement Projects and Infrastructure Upgrades
Staff are upgrading control panels and instrumentation at roughly 48 sites over 10 years, building panels themselves for $25-30K instead of paying contractors about $75K. It's behind schedule but saving serious money and building staff skills.
Town-Wide Stormwater and Wash Infrastructure Inspection
Commissioners toured local washes and drainage projects to inspect flood control measures, channel ramps, and ongoing infrastructure improvements.
Water Quality Compliance and Backflow Prevention Program
Staff reported on extensive water quality sampling and compliance monitoring conducted under EPA and ADEQ guidelines, along with proactive management of the town's backflow prevention program.