‘Preventer’ flap forces return of Cave Creek water board; Rose Law Group’s Adam Trenk, councilman-elect, praises decision
By Philip Haldiman | The Arizona Republic
Customers of a Northeast Valley water company who have felt underrepresented in the utility’s decisions scored a victory at the Cave Creek Town Council meeting this week.
After customer opposition to the Desert Hills Water System’s mandate for some customers to install a backflow preventer to their home’s water system, the council has voted to reinstate the Cave Creek Water Advisory Committee, which was dissolved last year.
The preventer has been priced at up to $1,000 for parts, installation and labor — causing a panic in many customers, who have said their voices haven’t been heard since the panel was dissolved.
The Desert Foothills Water System is owned by the town of Cave Creek and serves 1,700 customers.
Town officials say the Water Advisory Committee was dissolved because of lack of attendance.
Statement by Councilman-elect Adam Trenk, Rose Law Group equine attorney: “I’m glad to see the outgoing council take action to restore its accountability to the town’s utility rate payers. Those rat- payers outside of Cave Creek have no representation and no voice without the Water Advisory Committee, which never should have been disbanded in the first place.
