By Alexandra Hardle | Arizona Republic
For those who are thinking about buying a home in Buckeye, or already own a home in Buckeye, the future might look daunting.
Buckeye has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country in recent decades, with its population ballooning from about 6,000 in 2000 to over 100,000 in 2022. But the city made headlines in recent years because it doesn’t have a 100-year water designation.
Designations are given by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. If a city doesn’t have it, individual developers have to seek a 100-year water certificate before construction can start. Here are five things to know if you have a home in Buckeye or are thinking of purchasing one.
Own a home in Buckeye? Don’t fret
For those who have a home in Buckeye, don’t worry about running out of water. Any for-sale home has to have a 100-year water certificate from the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Earlier this year, Gov. Katie Hobbs declared that the Hassaympa sub-basin, which supplies much of the groundwater in Buckeye, was fully allocated. But that was done with the intent to protect the water supply of those already living there, Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke said at a March event hosted by Leadership West.
So, while no new developers can obtain a 100-year water certificate using the groundwater source, homes that have already been built will be set for the next 100 years even if they are using groundwater. That also includes homes that haven’t yet been built but were given a 100-year water certificate before Hobbs’ announcement.
