Queen Creek officials have proposed a new water fee that would increase monthly costs for some residents while shifting the town’s water supply strategy. The plan involves charging customers an additional $3.07 per 1,000 gallons to cover the purchase of approximately 1.7 million acre-feet of water from the Harquahala Valley and to manage the transition off a regional groundwater recharging utility.
Town finance director Scott McCarty stated at a Sept. 2 council meeting that the average residential customer could face an extra $30.70 per month, though the exact amount depends on the specific account type. Customers who also receive wastewater services from the town would receive a credit, potentially lowering the net impact to $18.42 per month.
McCarty noted that the town may phase in five additional increases over the next five years to help customers adjust and allow the municipality to recoup expenses over time.
The proposal is part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on the Colorado River and the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District. Town utility director Marc Skocypec explained that controlling groundwater recharging locally would provide a more stable, long-term water resource. He noted that the regional agency prices replacement fees on 10-year cycles, which exposes the town to market volatility.
Currently, Queen Creek sources about 68% of its water from the Harquahala aquifer, 16% from treated wastewater, 10% from the Colorado River, and 6% from local groundwater pumping.
The new fee would replace the current charge that water customers pay to the regional groundwater recharge agency through their property tax bills. It would also cover a portion of the fee the town has paid to the regional agency on behalf of customers since 2018.
