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Cave Creek staff outline $11.2 million Harquahala water‑rights option as Colorado River cuts loom
Summary
Town staff told the water advisory committee the town is weighing an $11.2 million option to buy Harquahala Valley water rights (500 acre‑feet/year for 100 years) with $50,000 in earnest money due mid‑January, while regional projects and a likely 20% CAP cut complicate delivery costs and long‑term planning.
Sean, Cave Creek’s water resources lead, briefed the advisory committee on plans to secure additional water supplies as an estimated 20% cut to Colorado River CAP municipal and industrial deliveries looms. Staff are considering purchasing rights from Harquahala Valley landowners that would give the town access on paper to 500 acre‑feet per year for 100 years.
“The town is facing the decision to purchase... it is $11,200,000 to actually complete the purchase,” Sean said, stressing the upfront cost and the short decision timetable. The town has $50,000 in earnest money on the table; staff said that money would be lost if the council does not decide by the January 15–16 deadline and that a final payment would be due in mid‑February if they proceed.
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