Queen Creek's Town Council convened on March 6, 2025, to discuss the town's water conservation program and its five-year plan, focusing on the significant strides made in water efficiency over the past year. Utilities Director Mark Skocific introduced Water Conservation Manager Dina Burns, who provided an update on the town's 2024 activities and the impact of their outreach efforts.

Burns highlighted the importance of practical measures for sustainable water savings, noting that the town experienced another record hot and dry year, which significantly influenced water usage patterns. She reported that homeowners' associations (HOAs) that engaged with the water conservation team achieved an average water use reduction of 10.5%, while those that did not engage saw an increase of over 8%. This underscores the effectiveness of the town's outreach initiatives.

The council learned about specific case studies from various HOAs, including Hastings Farms, which is working to convert nonfunctional landscape areas to lower water use alternatives, and La Sintero, which is implementing smart controllers to address overwatering issues. Ironwood Crossing has made notable progress in identifying and repairing leaks in their irrigation systems, thanks to collaboration with the town's water conservation team.

In addition to these efforts, the town has partnered with the University of Arizona to provide professional landscape training for both town employees and local landscapers, enhancing their knowledge of water-efficient practices. A pilot program with Salt River Project (SRP) is also underway, offering water efficiency evaluations for select HOAs, with potential funding available for system improvements.

In summary, the meeting emphasized the town's commitment to water conservation and the tangible results achieved through community engagement and targeted initiatives. As Queen Creek continues to face challenges related to climate and water usage, these efforts are crucial for ensuring sustainable water management for the future.