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Since then, MCDWID has resolved the backflow prevention issue. One issue remains open, however: ensuring the relief operator holds the necessary certifications. ADEQ said it continues to monitor the situation and is prepared to coordinate with rural assistance organizations or nearby certified operators if the district becomes unable to provide safe water service. As far back as 2020, MCDWID has faced pressure from larger nearby utilities and local government, including a potential takeover by the City of Maricopa and Pinal County. A long time coming InMaricopa reported in 2020 that city officials raised alarms over low water pressure in the Heritage District, warning it compromised fire protection for both residential and commercial properties. In response, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors declared the situation an emergency and proposed revoking MCDWID’s authority, transferring control of the district to the county. Mayor Nancy Smith, then Maricopa’s vice mayor, defended the proposal as necessary “to protect our residents.” The district strongly objected, accusing the city of a “hostile takeover,” bypassing elected leadership in an effort to seize control. “The City of Maricopa has gone around the [district] board and voters to the county board of supervisors to try and force a takeover of our system,” MCDWID warned its residents in an unsigned letter. While then-Supervisor Anthony Smith, who represented Maricopa, admitted the county had no desire to manage special districts, he made clear that intervention was still a possibility. “With good cause, we take action in order to accomplish that expectation,” he said. If Maricopa moves to absorb the local water utility amid the latest and direst spate of tribulations, it would not be the first time. In 2022, the city took over operations of the smaller Seven Ranches Domestic Water Improvement District, citing similar concerns over aging infrastructure and unreliable water service. That takeover was approved by the board of supervisors and marked the city’s first formal assumption of a water district. InMaricopa asked MCDWID board members to comment on the recent financial findings. All board members were unwilling to comment. The City of Maricopa declined comment.
reserves, the district remains vulnerable to sudden infrastructure failures to its already aging system. There is neither margin for error nor emergency. At the June 9 meeting — an agenda was not posted 24 hours prior to the meeting, and the posted meeting time was not accurate, both apparent violations of Arizona’s open meetings law — the board voted to remove Landa and Williford from all district accounts. Both declined to comment for this story. That same day, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality received a formal complaint about the district from a former employee, its first complaint on record for MCDWID, explained Alma Suarez with AZDEQ. Despite internal staffing turmoil, MCDWID continues to have a certified operator ensuring that water quality remains in compliance with federal drinking water standards, said Suarez. ADEQ confirmed it conducted its most recent inspection Oct. 26, 2023. That inspection identified two issues: overdue testing of required backflow prevention devices and improper certification of the district’s relief operator. ADEQ issued a notice of violation, and when MCDWID failed to correct the issues, the agency entered into a consent order in June 2024. A consent order is a step toward legal action, a tool that regulators use to make sure orders are followed.
occurred the same month households were again left without water due to improperly installed meters. “I don’t understand how you can replace the meter and not check for leaks,” Williford said. In March, the board reviewed a costly ongoing lease agreement with All Copy Products, which had never been disclosed to them by the former office manager who signed it. The contract, covering unused equipment, carried a buyout cost of $7,111. The board approved the buyout to stop further waste. At the April meeting, financial concerns continued. A $16,000 check issued to Jim’s Water Service Hauling, a Mesa company, for well repairs drew scrutiny from board members. Williford explained there were no more affordable alternatives. Customers to pay for district’s failures After the annual budget was announced May 22, both Landa and Williford resigned. Two others joined them. The district’s financial situation was fully exposed. Despite collecting an estimated $1.7 million in annual revenue, the district plans to spend nearly $6 million this fiscal year. To bridge that gap, the board proposed sharp 40% rate hikes, a property tax increase and a continued dependence on external funding, including state loans and grants.
WHERE THE WATER DISTRICT’S CUSTOMERS LIVE AND WORK
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Source: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Under the budget draft labeled “Alternative 2,” water rates are slated to rise by 40%, while the property tax rate will jump from 3.3685% to 3.5%. Tax assessments are expected to generate more than $333,000, up from just under $278,000 last year. The district’s capital plan leans heavily on outside financing, including a new $4.2 million loan from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona. Those funds are earmarked for pipeline and well upgrades. All told, the budget is balanced but fearfully unsustainable. With less than $200,000 in cash
July 2023: The City of Maricopa attempted a “hostile takeover” of MCDWID, citing concerns about management and rate structure. The effort was met with strong opposition from MCDWID leadership and community members, who emphasized local control and transparency.
The area served by MDWID was designated a “Colonia,” qualifying it for additional federal aid due to its underserved infrastructure.
built with some of the highest quality media in the industry. The six layers of filtration will provide high quality drinking water for years to come.
DISTRICT HISTORY 1986
1990
1998
2017
2020
2023
August 2023: The city successfully assumed control of the Seven Ranches DWID, another small water district in the area, as part of a broader push for municipal oversight of water resources.
MDWID and New Saddleback Vista DWID voted to merge, forming the Maricopa Consolidated Domestic Water Improvement District.
Valle Escondido DWID merged with MCDWID following approval during the November 2020 election, expanding the district and extending its lower water and tax levy rates to Saddleback and Valle Escondido neighborhoods.
The Maricopa Domestic Water Improvement District was established by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors.
The district sought USDA Rural Utility
Services loans and grants to address “serious
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water system deficiencies.”
InMaricopa.com | July 2025
July 2025 | InMaricopa.com
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