Cave Creek contracts Arizona American to operate Desert Hills Water
Cave Creek Water Co. continues to supply Desert Hills
by Kathleen Stinson

CAVE CREEK– Town council voted unanimously last week to enter into an agreement with American Water for its subsidiary, Anthem water provider Arizona American Water, to operate Desert Hills Water Co.

Cave Creek acquired Desert Hills Water last fall.

The duration of the operations and maintenance agreement, expected to be signed any day, will be for a term of one year, related Todd Walker, spokesman for Arizona American Water.

“It solidifies what already is occurring,” Town Attorney Cliff Mattice said.

“Most of the difficulties have been worked out,” said Jes Merrell, manager of business development for American Water. “They’ve (number of complaints from DHW customers) virtually gone away after the first 30 days. The public seems to have satisfaction that they’ll have reliable water.” 

Vice Mayor Dick Esser said extending water service outside the town’s boundaries could involve some risks, but “we have to take those risks.”

“Will Desert Hills residents get water this summer?” asked Councilwoman Kim Brennan. “Yes,” replied Merrell.

Arizona American Water is currently supplying water to Desert Hills customers and is a backup supplier in case of emergency, Merrell pointed out. Arizona American is working on another agreement with the town to serve as the emergency operator of Cave Creek Water Co. when that acquisition is finalized. The agreement will be in place prior to transfer of ownership.

Cave Creek Water Co. continues to also supply water to Desert Hills, related company spokesman Paul Walker in an interview with The Desert Advocate last week.

Walker stated the town asked Cave Creek Water last month to “turn the pumps on full blast” to deliver water to Desert Hills customers.

“Desert Hills Water only has water because Cave Creek is providing it to them,” Walker said Thursday.

Merrell said he did not know anything about what water Cave Creek Water Co. is supplying to Desert Hills.

Brian DiTullio contributed to this story.