Anthem retention pond fences vandalized
by Kathleen Stinson

ANTHEM – Some residents have concerns about the Arizona American Water retention pond on the west side of I‑17.

At the Parkside Homeowners Association community forum last week, a board member said the water utility is trying to clean up the recharge facility.

Arizona American spokes‑man Todd Walker explained that any excess recycled water not used for the golf courses or commons landscape goes into the facility and is used to replenish the underlying aquifer, or groundwater.

He related that individuals have vandalized the fences surrounding the recharge facility and have been trespassing into the area. The Anthem water provider is in the process of repairing those fences.

Walker told The Desert Advocate he thinks the concern is children could access the facility.

“When it was brought to our attention,” the company took care of it, he said.

At the forum, a Parkside board member stated Arizona American Water has an easement on the property but does not really need the pond and may fill it in.

Walker said he knows of no plans to close the pond.