The Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board (CAWCD) met on Thursday, May 7 at Central Arizona Project (CAP) headquarters in north Phoenix. The meeting began with a recognition of 11 employees celebrating 30, 25 and 20 years of CAP service. President Goddard also gave an overview of the Mortenson Water Education Center “topping over” celebration celebrating the last steel beam placed for the bridge over the canal.

Following a report from the CAGRD and Underground Storage Committee (Committee), the Board approved a purchase and sale agreement with Harquahala Valley Landowners, LLC, which has developed a groundwater importation project referred to as the Harquahala Valley Water Project. The agreement is for the acquisition of a one-acre lot in the project that includes the right to pump 5,000 acre-feet/year for 100 years.

The Board also approved another purchase and sale agreement for long-term storage credits with the Tohono O’Odham Nation. The agreement is for 20,000 long-term storage credits in the Phoenix Active Management Area.

In addition, the Board heard presentations on:

• Agreement between CAWCD, Yuma County Water Users Association and Reclamation on drainage wells in the Yuma Valley
• Colorado River conditions
• Colorado River discussions (including the Lower Division States’ proposal for short-term Colorado River operations)

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.

For additional details on the May 7, 2026 board meeting, take a look at the agenda. Board minutes and video will be posted here, as well.