The Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board met Thursday, March 2 at CAP Headquarters in north Phoenix. The meeting began with heavy hearts and a moment of silence recognizing the passing of former CAWCD Board Member Marie Pearthree. Board Member Pearthree resigned from the Board in January and lost her battle with cancer last week.

Related to business matters, the Board reviewed a presentation: Summary of Six State and California Proposed SEIS Alternatives. During the Colorado River conditions report, staff also unveiled CAP’s new Colorado River Conditions Dashboard. The Board also approved a M&I subcontract transfer from the Arizona State Land Department to the City of Phoenix.

Following the Finance, Audit and Power Committee report, the Board approved a revised Rate-Setting Policy and a revised Recharge Rate-Setting Policy. And, after the CAGRD and Underground Storage Committee, the Board approved:

• Revised CAWCD Policy allowing the use of CAGRD water supplies to satisfy the Arizona Water Bank Authority’s firming or interstate applications
• Revised CAWCD Policy on inspection standards and retention requirements for water provider records relating to CAGRD annual reports
• Repealing the CAWCD Policy on interstate off-stream underground storage through the Arizona Water Banking Authority

On the consent agenda, the Board approved several items, including:

• Pre-Construction Services Contract for the South Plants Fire Protection Project Phase 2 at Sandario, Brawley, and San Xavier Pumping Plant
• Construction Contract for the Pilot Recovery Wells at Tonopah Desert Recharge Project
• CAP M&I water subcontract transfer from the Town of Cave Creek to Carefree Water Company

The Board also heard a number of other presentations:

• Water operations
• CAWCD On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Pilot Program
• Update: Wheeling contracts and System Use Agreement
• Background and Process of 2007 Interim Guidelines

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 County. 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. NOTE that due to the observation of Passover, the meeting will be held on Thursday, March 30 rather than the typical first Thursday.

For additional details on the March 2, 2023 board meeting, take a look at the agenda. Board minutes and video will be posted here, as well.