It’s frequently said that Central Arizona Project’s infrastructure is amazing – because it is! Here is yet another example of why that is true. 

At the start of the CAP system, Mark Wilmer Pumping Plant lifts Colorado River water 810 vertical feet into the Buckskin Mountain Tunnel. It’s a fact that is stated so often that it is easy to overlook the magnitude of that lift.

This infographic demonstrates just how significant that height truly is by comparing it to well-known US landmarks, including the Arizona State Capitol, White House, Statue of Liberty and Hoover Dam. Many have stood at the base of Hoover Dam and marveled at its height. It’s an impressive site and in fact, was the tallest dam in the world when it was built. Yet, the height the water is lifted from Mark Wilmer Pumping Plant is more than 80 feet higher.

Impressive! No wonder it takes six pumps with 66,000 horsepower motors to initiate the journey of Colorado River water into central and southern Arizona and ensure reliable water deliveries.