The CAWCD Board met Thursday, Aug. 4 at CAP Headquarters in north Phoenix. The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding for the planning, design, permitting, construction and operation of the SRP-CAP Interconnection Facility. This would allow for the physical delivery of water from the Salt River Project system into the Central Arizona Project aqueduct, including recovered water stored by the Arizona Water Banking Authority and water for the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District that may be developed from the proposed raising of SRP’s Bartlett Dam.

Additionally, the Board approved up to $1.25 million in 2022 and 2023 to expand the N-Drip pilot program for agricultural efficiency projects, especially in the Yuma area. Investments in projects such as this conserve Colorado River water while maintaining agricultural productivity and local agricultural-based economies. This ultimately benefits Lake Mead and provides resiliency to CAP’s water supply. Learn more about the N-Drip pilot projects here.

In addition, the Board approved several maintenance items related to project reliability on the consent agenda:

• Construction contract for storm damage repairs at Pool 34
• Design-build construction contract for fire protection project at Mark Wilmer Pumping Plant
• Contract for pipeline cathodic protection project
• Construction contract for the electromechanical relay replacement project (phase 2) at Mark Wilmer Pumping Plant
• Equipment purchase contract for generators for backup power upgrades project at checks and turnouts
• Contract for motor rotor pole refurbishment at Mark Wilmer Pumping Plant

Finally, the Board heard the following presentations regarding:

• Colorado River conditions
• Proposed 2022 System Conservation Projects
• Colorado River discussions
• Exchange Implementation Agreement

The CAWCD Board of Directors is a popularly elected, 15-member board. Ten members are from Maricopa County, four from Pima County and one from Pinal. Members serve six-year, unpaid terms. The board typically meets publicly the first Thursday of each month to establish policy and set rates and taxes for CAP. Meetings are open to the public – in person and via livestream.

For additional details on the August board meeting, take a look at the agenda. Board minutes and video will be posted here, as well.