Desert Hills developers held up by absence of water hookups
by Kathleen Stinson

DESERT HILLS – Maricopa County in late June halted all new development in the Desert Hills Water Co. service area because of that company’s inability to provide adequate service.

Area developers are reeling from the financial impact of that decision.

DHW in recent months has also come under scrutiny by the Arizona Corporation Commission, and at least two developers, Renaissance Partners of Desert Hills and Iron Gate Development LLC, have filed complaints over DHW’s practices, alleging the company refused to provide water hookups to their new construction. 

“I have five acres at Joy Ranch and 22nd Street ... where people can’t even brush their teeth in the morning,” said Brad Forst, owner of Renaissance. He related that the property was purchased one year ago and he has been unable to get any hookups from the local utility.

“I’ve got a million dollars worth of real estate, and if built with homes, $5 million worth, but it’s just sitting there waiting,” Forst said. “It’s just frustrating. This is the way I make my living.”

Forst has recently reached a settlement with DHW and, as soon as the company gets the water it requires to serve the area, Forst should get the hookups he needs.

Although DHW was purchased by the Town of Cave Creek last week, Maricopa County still holds the system under non‑compliance and will not lift the hold on new development until the water company resolves its water issues, said John Kolman, manager of the county’s safe drinking water program.

Iron Gate Development did not return calls placed by The Desert Advocate seeking comment, nor did a third area developer, Abbyron Desert Hills LLC‑Cielo Grande.

Abbyron has asked the corporation commission to exempt them from any possible state‑ordered moratorium on development. In their filing, the company stated it can provide sufficient water for its proposed development by drilling a well in the area. A representative from Abbyron testified last week during the commission’s evidentiary hearing there is sufficient water in the aquifer.

DHW vice president Mary Beth Rowland declined to comment.

Reach the reporter at kathleen@thedesertadvocate.com.