Bits and Pieces

Oro Water Director Abraham: Water future remains strong despite regional cuts
Arizona continues to operate under a Tier 1 Colorado River water shortage in 2025, but Oro Valley’s supply remains stable for now. The Town’s long-term planning and community support have helped keep water use flat since 2000, even with a 45% population increase. Reclaimed water deliveries began in 2006, and Colorado River water was added in 2012, cutting groundwater use by more than half. With the Northwest Recharge Recovery and Delivery System set to launch in 2026, Oro Valley is positioned to further reduce reliance on groundwater and maintain a resilient water system for years to come. (Group email from Town of Oro Valley Water Department). Learn more.

Potable water use at Pusch Ridge Golf Course continues to climb

"In the first three months of 2025, the Pusch Ridge golf course used 4.7 million gallons more potable water than during the same period in 2024. This additional use cost $44,932.54—an amount that would require nearly 900 rounds of golf at $50 each to offset. January saw an increase of 1.4 million gallons, February 2 million, and March 1.3 million. The Town attributed the January increase to dry and windy conditions, but February and March data suggest other contributing factors may exist, such as possible irrigation system inefficiencies. The course pays the same potable water rate as residential customers and currently has no water conservation measures in place. About 300 members of Friends of Pusch Ridge continue to support the course’s operations. Based on this year’s added water costs, the expense amounts to approximately $150 per supporter. Some residents have asked whether the Town Council will schedule a discussion on long-term water use at the course." (Source: message from LOVE reader)

OV Town Council to hold budget study sessions and public hearings

"ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (April 23, 2025) – The Town of Oro Valley invites residents to engage and learn more about the Town’s financial priorities. The Town Council will hold Budget Study Sessions on Wednesday, April 30, and Monday, May 5, both at 6 p.m. The Budget and Finance Commission will review the budget on Tuesday, May 20, at 4 p.m. All meetings will be in Council Chambers at the Oro Valley Town Hall complex, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive. These sessions are open to the public and help shape the financial framework for the upcoming fiscal year. Public input helps guide decisions that impact Town services, infrastructure, and long-term investments." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

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Bits and Pieces

"Battle of the Bands" registration open

Registration is now open for the Oro Valley Battle of the Bands, happening on Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m. at Riverfront Park. High school bands interested in competing must submit an original demo or YouTube link to dhiatt@orovalleyaz.gov by April 12. At least 50% of the band members must be in high school to qualify. Selected bands will perform a three-song set in front of a live audience, and winners will be chosen by a panel of judges, with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

(Source: Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Newsletter, 1-24-25)

Oro Valley's "Path Forward" receives awards and moves to next phase 

Oro Valley's community engagement efforts for the OV’s Path Forward 10-year action plan have received two prestigious awards: the Impact Award from the Public Relations Society of America and the Granicus Digital Government Award. These awards recognize the town’s commitment to involving residents in shaping the community’s future. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Oro Valley author brings adventure to life in "The Lady and the Locket"

Oro Valley resident Tim Tarris debuts his storytelling skills in The Lady and the Locket, a captivating novel that follows USAF pilot Todd Stewart during his exchange tour with the Dutch Air Force. Set against the backdrop of military life and international experiences, the story explores themes of duty, adventure, and personal growth. Tarris, drawing from his own rich experiences and deep understanding of aviation, brings authenticity and depth to his characters. As a local author, Tarris’s work is a testament to the diverse talent within the Oro Valley community. This engaging read, available on Amazon, is perfect for those who enjoy military fiction...with a bit of time travel...with a personal touch.

Town of Oro Valley's drinking water waste still concerns residents

Residents have not forgotten. The town’s use of drinking water for irrigating two parks and a golf course continues to raise concerns. In 2024, the town used more than 69 million gallons of potable water for Pusch Ridge Golf Course, Kriegh Park, and Riverfront Park—enough to supply almost 823 homes. Critics argue that the town is prioritizing recreational use for a small group over the essential needs of 48,000 residents. Adding to the frustration, the council has failed to take meaningful action to address the issue. Some residents are calling on the town council to lead efforts in securing grants for reclaimed water infrastructure and collaborating with others to reduce potable water use. (Source: Resident email to LOVE)

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve water feature awaiting council discussion

Another water issue residents have not forgotten is the council’s “final” direction on the revitalization of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. Will it have a water feature? What will be the cost? The last update suggested a decision would be made by the end of this month, but it now seems likely to happen in March. One key consideration is the cost of creating the feature, while another is the water usage involved. According to an engineering-experienced resident, a reasonably sized pond would hold approximately 5.7 million gallons of reclaimed water and require the same amount annually to maintain. The initial cost to fill the pond is estimated at just over $20,000, with annual maintenance costs around $28,500. Importantly, only reclaimed water—not drinking water—would be used. (Source: Resident email to LOVE)

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8.3% Water Rate Increase Starts With Your August Bill… While the Town Continues To Waste Drinking Water On Irrigating Recreation Facilities

You August water bill is going up "big time” 

Your water bill will increase 8.3% on average this coming August based on a changes in the water rate. This is the largest increase in Oro Valley history and was championed on a 5-1 vote (Greene voting:  yes”; Bohen voting no; Barrett Absent) at the June 6 Oro Valley Town Council Meeting. The water rate increase is actually 7.9% but when sales and utility taxes are applied plus an approved increase in the water preservation fund fee, the net increase is 8.3%. (See:  Sticker Shock) 

While the council does nothing to reduce the use of drinking water on three recreational facilities

The Town Council is waiting for a miracle solution for the use of drinking water on one of the town's golf courses and two of the town's parks. The Council has wasted the opportunity to bring reclaimed water to those areas. Instead, the Council decided not to do anything about it. Are they waiting for some miracle solution to come from the State or the City of Tucson regarding further treating reclaimed water and introducing it into the Water system? Are they waiting for the state to engage in a massive project to bring desalinated water from Mexico into the State and distribute it through the CAP distribution system? 

Meanwhile, Pima County is transitioning recreation water use to reclaimed water

Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Pima County Board Of Supervisors voted to "Transition of the irrigation system in Arthur Pack Park to reclaimed effluent irrigation and requested the County Administration to develop a plan for transitioning all County parks to reclaimed effluent irrigation." So, it looks as though the County has a plan while Oro Valley's Town Council "fiddles and diddles" and does nothing.

We don't know what this Council is waiting for, but we do know that they're not doing anything to eliminate the use of drinking water on town recreational properties,  And while they fiddle, the cost of bringing reclaimed water to those facilities becomes more and more.

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In the following guest view, resident Mike Zinkin points out the obvious to all except five members of council: The Town is the biggest water waster in the community. 

6,598,000 gallons of potable water wasted
The Town of Oro Valley continues to bury its head in the sand as almost 6.6 million gallons of potable water were wasted on town properties in June 2024. To break it down: the closed Pusch Ridge golf course used 2,894,000 gallons, Riverfront Park wasted 1,644,000 gallons, and Jim Kriegh Park used 2,060,000 gallons. The cost for the Pusch Ridge waste alone was $11,719.39. Do you really believe the income from disc golf covered this water cost?

In June 2023, water waste for these properties was 5,531,000 gallons. This year, the waste for June increased by over 1,000,000 gallons, rubbing this negligence in our faces.

What will it take for our town government to act responsibly? 

The Community Center is still not ADA compliant, despite being owned since May 2015. Yet, the government established a splash pad (wanted by only 4% of the people) and a new BMX track (desired by just 1%). Meanwhile, the Oro Valley Little League has no fields other than the one at Coronado Middle School.

I am not alone in my concern over this water waste. While I may be at an age where this irresponsibility won't affect me directly, what about our grandchildren? How will we explain to them that drinking water must be rationed because of the irresponsible priorities set by our government in 2024?

Albert Einstein: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

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