Securing local water rights
SRP purchased Verde Valley Properties to provide a source of water rights to the community and protect the Verde River.
SRP is stepping up to help water users in the Verde Valley and protect the Verde River with the investment in two properties in the Camp Verde area. These properties were purchased because they have historic water rights that can be used to address local Verde Valley water rights issues.
Why did SRP take this step?
Decades of growth and development in the Verde Valley has led, in some cases, to the expansion of surface water uses onto lands without water rights. This could limit the availability of water for other users with water rights and further diminish the flow of the Verde River.
Under Arizona water law, the historic water rights on the properties acquired by SRP can be transferred to landowners in the Verde Valley that need them. This will provide a source of water rights while also preserving the long-term sustainability of the Verde River for people and nature.
Why did SRP take this step?
Decades of growth and development in the Verde Valley has led, in some cases, to the expansion of surface water uses onto lands without water rights. This could limit the availability of water for other users with water rights and further diminish the flow of the Verde River.
Under Arizona water law, the historic water rights on the properties acquired by SRP can be transferred to landowners in the Verde Valley that need them. This will provide a source of water rights while also preserving the long-term sustainability of the Verde River for people and nature.
How will the program work?
While many details are still to be determined, SRP has established several principles for the program:
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The water rights will stay in the Verde Valley. They will not be transferred to upstream communities or downstream to support growth in the Phoenix area. |
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SRP will not profit from the water rights transfers. The price of the water rights will be based on what is needed to recover the property acquisition costs. |
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The program is entirely voluntary, with the goal of providing an option to Verde Valley water users needing water rights that don’t exist today. |
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Water rights are intended for existing water users. This is not a water supply for future growth or expanded uses. |
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Agriculture will likely continue on the properties until the water rights can be transferred. |
What are the next steps?
Outreach
SRP has conducted outreach with Verde Valley stakeholders to discuss this program and obtain feedback.
Partnerships
SRP recognizes that the price for water rights needs to be affordable. SRP is exploring partnerships to help offset some of those costs.
Collaboration
SRP will work with the Arizona Department of Water Resources on a process to transfer the water rights.
Communication
Once a process and price for the water rights are established, SRP will reach out to landowners who may have an interest in purchasing the water rights.
Want to know more?
Click below to contact us or learn more about the Verde River water rights program.
