Arizona Supreme Court rules in…

The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that Chandler's agreement with Roosevelt Water Confirmation District is valid and enforceable through 2086. The ruling is a major win for Chandler taxpayers and the city's long-term water security.

"Nearly 27,000 Chandler households have paid Roosevelt Water Conservation District property taxes for years without water benefits. That ends with this ruling," said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. "Water is a critical public resource, and this ruling restores a key component of Chandler's 100-year assured water supply."

The Supreme Court's decision protects taxpayers statewide by ensuring that technical time bars cannot easily be used to avoid public contracts and obligations that support essential services like water.

Chandler and RWCD entered into the Domestic Water Service Agreement in 2002 so that as farmland urbanized, RWCD's surface water rights could be converted into treated drinking water for residents.

From 2002 to 2015, Chandler purchased more than 40,000 acre-feet of water under the agreement using a clear, objective formula tied to Salt River Project's annual surface water allocations.

Around 2016, RWCD stopped honoring the agreement, later claimed it had ended, and refused water orders even as Chandler residents continued paying RWCD $1.7 million in property taxes annually. That left the city no choice but to pursue legal remedies.

Chandler remains open to constructive dialogue with RWCD's leadership to implement the ruling in a manner that maintains fairness and transparency for taxpayers.

Residents within the RWCD service area are encouraged to stay informed at RWCD and to participate in RWCD Board meetings and elections, which directly shape how the district manages its water and tax responsibilities.