Global Water played big role in city’s growth

Global Water Resources just turned 20 years old! The city of Maricopa’s rapid growth over the past 20 years is paralleled by, and in some respects propelled by, the partnership with Global Water. As Global Water turns 20 years old, we wanted to share a little bit about our history and why the company was created.

In 2003, three water utility professionals had the idea to create not only a utility, but a water resource management company. Their goal was to create a company focused on promoting water conservation principles in the desert Southwest — and out of that, Global Water was formed.

Global Water’s first utilities, Santa Cruz Water Company and Palo Verde Utilities Company, were acquired from El Dorado Holdings when there were just a few thousand homes in Maricopa.

Global Water’s founders implemented their vision to build utilities that reduce demand on scarce non-renewable water sources by using technology, water recycling and incenting behaviors to use less water. This novel approach to water resource management came to be known as Total Water Management.

Many years ago, Global Water had the foresight to apply for and obtain a robust water rights portfolio for its Maricopa service area. These water rights, known as a designation of assured water supply, have allowed the city of Maricopa to continue to prudently grow without the hinderance of water constraints experienced in many other communities in Arizona.

Global Water has also constructed and operated a large, recycled water system in Maricopa to preserve the groundwater within the city. These efforts have saved more than 10 billion gallons of water in the city over the past 20 years. To put this into context, this is enough water to provide the entire city of Maricopa with water for nearly three years.

As we look to the next 20 years, Global Water is focused on continuing to be at the forefront of water resource management to ensure the city of Maricopa has safe and reliable water. Our commitment is to continue to invest in Maricopa to allow the city and its residents to continue to grow and prosper.

The city of Maricopa and Global Water have accomplished a lot over the past 20 years. As Mayor Smith talked about in her recent State of the City address, rather than thinking about the great things we’ll do “one day,” we look at today as “day one” of the great accomplishments we will achieve with the help of the community over the next 20 years.