PHOENIX, Arizona (KKCO) – Lawmakers are working to address the water crisis outside Phoenix, Arizona.

Residents of Rio Verde are not guaranteed a supply of water.

Resident Cody Reim drives a truck to bring his own water. Because he can’t afford to have it delivered.

“Now I have to drive to a friend’s house in Apache Junction or a nearby town and fill the water hose with water,” says Reim.

Reim explains that he does this several times a week, despite strict protective measures being taken by his family of six.

The Rio Verde foothills lost their water sources more than two months ago.

“Yeah, it’s very dangerous here this summer,” Lime said.

Proposed House Bill 2561 would have required the city to provide water to residents outside its service area if they do not have access to sufficient water.

Scottsdale had proposed an agreement under which the city and county would purchase water from a third-party source, treat it, and sell it to Maricopa County.

The county was then to handle distribution and billing to residents of the Rio Verde Foothills, but the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors refused.

“There are 700 homes in need of water in the Rio Verde hills,” says Reim. “I mean, how can anyone say no to that?”

Reasons for the rejection included Scottsdale’s failure to identify water sources, increased water costs, and restrictions on the amount of water available.

House Democrats urged officials to continue working on a negotiated solution to restore water, which is scheduled for this week.

Principal David Cook (R) hopes a solution will be found soon.

“We are now moving towards legislation that can address the situation of these people,” said Cook. “Their continued suffering is a result of the Maricopa County Supervisory Board and their lack of action.

Reim agrees with Maricopa County’s concerns and hopes the water will be delivered before it hits triple digits.

“But we are gearing up for an event when that happens, and that could mean that we won’t be able to live in the house over the summer.

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