Oro Valley readies residents, infrastructure for June–September monsoon; staff reports project and audit updates

Oro Valley officials urged residents to prepare for monsoon season and outlined recent stormwater work during the Stormwater Utility Commission meeting on May 15, 2025.

Dennis Roberts, stormwater utility division manager for the Town of Oro Valley, told commissioners the town’s monsoon season typically runs June 15–Sept. 30 and repeated core safety guidance: clear storm drains, secure loose items, keep an emergency kit and heed weather alerts. “By working together, we ensure Oro Valley stays protected, informed, and ready for anything,” Roberts said.

Roberts summarized several operational updates the commission may rely on during the season. On May 6 the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) closed a notice of opportunity to correct deficiencies tied to the town’s MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) program, Roberts said, noting that all identified deficiencies had been resolved in accordance with ADEQ requirements. He also recapped an April 25 MS4 training for field staff and a field trip on April 18 that visited completed and upcoming project sites.

Why it matters: Oro Valley’s stormwater division balances operational work—street sweeping, channel maintenance, inspections—with resident preparedness to reduce flood risk during intense, short-duration monsoon storms that can convert dry washes into fast-moving flood flows.

Roberts provided project-level updates: Highland Wash — staff reported they expect a grant-status update by June or early July and will remain engaged in the grant process. Via Mandarina — construction remains on schedule and within budget; concrete drop structures, cutoff walls and slope grading are complete and installation of gabion baskets will begin, with anticipated completion by mid-June. Linewood Drive outlet erosion mitigation — work began the prior week, funded with stormwater utility funds and focused on repairing channel down-cutting, installing a new headwall and placing rock riprap for stabilization.

A member of the public, Bill Jackson, who identified himself as a homeowner on the Highlands Wash, raised a separate but related concern: an electrical meter box had been failed by the state and he needs to run new electrical service across the wash to a transformer. Jackson asked when and whether FEMA or state emergency authorities will be involved. Roberts said he could discuss that offline and noted the town had received an update from DEMA on May 5 and would provide follow-up information to residents as it becomes available.

The commission also announced a town sandbag program to run June 15–Sept. 30. Roberts said residents can pick up sandbags at Naraha Park (on the empty lot about 1,000 feet north of West Naraha Drive at the North Musette Drive intersection, east side of North Musette Drive, formerly the Christmas tree lot) and may fill up to 10 sandbags per household. “Taking proactive steps to safeguard your home,” Roberts said, “sandbags can help prevent flooding and storm debris intrusion.”

Regional coordination and public outreach were emphasized. Roberts cited Oro Valley’s collaboration with the Pima County multiple-jurisdiction hazard mitigation plan, the National Weather Service, Golder Ranch Fire District and Pima County for messaging and emergency response. He said the town supports regional monsoon messaging and links to NOAA, Pima County and other resources are included in the meeting agenda packet.

Administrative notes and next steps: Roberts said town management is conducting a rate review and the stormwater utility rate-increase review will be updated at a future meeting. The commission was invited to continue public outreach and to expect further reports on the Highland Wash grant status, Via Mandarina completion and Linewood Drive work.

The meeting packet includes a downloadable “Stormwater Utility Monsoon Preparedness Guide” and handouts on the sandbag program; Roberts encouraged residents to consult those resources and to call 911 for immediate life-safety threats.

Ending: The commission closed the meeting after routine business and questions. Staff will provide follow-up on the Highland Wash electrical/FEMA question and the pending grant update when available.