QUEEN CREEK, Arizona — The town of Queen Creek officially receives its water from the Colorado River, which is moving away from its dependence on groundwater.

The town announced Tuesday afternoon that it has undergone an extensive review period regarding the purchase of water rights from property owners in Cibola Valley, La Paz County.

The move was approved by the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the Bureau of Reclamation.

Mayor Julia Wheatley said Wednesday that the relocated water will be delivered to Queen Creek via the Central Arizona Project’s canal system.

This purchase represents approximately 10% of the water they use annually.

Town water director Paul Gardner said a larger water acquisition was said to be in the works. They are trying to diversify their ‘water portfolio’ by replacing the use of groundwater with renewable sources.

In the future, they hope to only need 10% of the groundwater supply.

Arizona officials recently announced that the state would not grant certification to new developments within the Phoenix area. groundwater disappears rapidly for years using too much water And drought due to climate change.