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limits, the approach can look a little different. In areas like Hidden Valley, homeowners often rely on private wells. That comes with more control, but also more responsibility. Drilling costs in Arizona typically run between $40 and $45 per foot, with many wells reaching depths of 600 to 800 feet — and sometimes as deep as 1,000 feet, depending on conditions. Once installed, ongoing maintenance and performance fall entirely on the homeowner. While most wells in the area continue to operate effectively, output varies based on depth and location. Within Maricopa’s city limits, however, the system is established, regulated and already scaled well below its available capacity. While Colorado River discussions will continue to shape water policy across the Southwest, Maricopa’s position remains steady. For buyers looking at the area today, that’s a point of strength worth understanding.
future shortages should be divided. That raises a natural question for homebuyers across the region: What does this mean for local communities? For Maricopa, the answer is straightforward. The city does not receive Colorado River water. It isn’t tied into the Central Arizona Project canal system that supplies much of metro Phoenix. While future regional impacts are always worth watching, Maricopa’s day-to-day water supply is not directly affected by Colorado River reductions. Maricopa relies on groundwater — specifically the Maricopa-Stanfield sub-basin aquifer. Global Water Resources, the city’s primary provider, holds a Designation of Assured Water Supply from the Arizona Department of Water Resources. As part of that designation, the utility demonstrated access to a 100-year water supply before serving customers. The numbers show a comfortable margin. Global Water has access to approximately 23,000 acre-feet of water annually, while current usage is around 8,000 acre-feet. That gap means the existing supply can support significant additional growth while continuing to meet current demand. For those considering properties outside city
Dig in Gardening offers a healthier path, and a practical one, for families looking to reset their habits
intact. Fresh food satisfies what your body is actually asking for. Processed and fried food doesn’t, so you keep eating, taking in more calories and storing more fat. There’s also value in the work itself. Digging in the dirt relieves stress. If you’re upset with a situation or a person, go dig a hole in the backyard. Not to bury them, of course. But you can bury your planting mistakes and move on. If your routine is fast food or grabbing something on the way home, introducing fresh, prepared meals will take a little adjustment. You have to learn the taste of fresh food, how to prepare vegetables or eat them raw, and how to shift your spending using what you save from eating out. Two things matter most: First, growing your own food when it isn’t available at the store. You learn how to plan, prepare and figure out what your family actually likes. Gardening gives you food now and, if you have extra, something you can preserve for later. Second, family time. Get everyone involved in planting, harvesting and preparing what you grow. A 3-year-old will love pulling a carrot from the ground, washing it and eating it right there. The excitement comes from watching something grow from a seed they planted into something they can eat. After a long day, everyone comes in tired, hungry and a little on edge. Planning helps. Sit down together, build a menu for the week, make a shopping list and prep what you can ahead of time. It cuts down the time it takes to get a meal on the table. A lot of kids today are disconnected from where food comes from. A Master Gardener once gave a talk to a group of young children about apples growing in orchards. A 6-year- old asked, “Do all apples grow on trees?” It’s a reminder of what many kids see now, fruit coming off a table at the grocery store. Local schools in Maricopa are working to change that by adding gardens on campus. It teaches responsibility, builds social skills and gives kids a sense of accomplishment. It’s also a good opportunity for adults to volunteer and help teach. Grow vegetables and reap the rewards.
W ATER HAS ALWAYS BEEN Arizona’s most valuable resource, and lately, it’s back in the headlines. Ongoing drought and decades of heavy use have put increasing strain on the Colorado River system. Federal officials have already implemented reductions, and more cuts may be coming as Upper Basin and Lower Basin states remain locked in negotiations over how Colorado River water likely not a factor for Maricopa BY DAYV MORGAN
BY HARRIET PHELPS
S
O, YOU MADE A NEW YEAR’S resolution to become healthier. How’s that working for you? Taking small steps toward a
Put that focus into gardening. It brings physical and mental health benefits and can ease some of the strain on your grocery bill. The best vegetable you can eat is one picked fresh from your own garden, with all its nutritional value
lifestyle change is what actually works. When something matters, the idea keeps coming back. The problem is we go too big at the start, set ourselves up for frustration and end up quitting, feeling like we failed.
Dayv Morgan is a Maricopa realtor and owner of HomeSmart Premier.
480-251-4231 DayvMorgan@gmail.com
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Harriet Phelps is a Pinal County Master Gardener.
InMaricopa.com | May 2026
May 2026 | InMaricopa.com
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