The town of Superior has forged a water deal worth more than $20 million with the mining company Resolution Copper. It’s designed to add water to Queen Creek, which is usually just a dry wash, to boost flows and riverside habitat.
At a press conference to announce the agreement, town officials said the deal was the first of its kind in Arizona and came after “years of negotiations, scientific studies, hydrological testing, technical reviews and countless meetings.”
“These are not small commitments,” said Mila Besich, Superior’s mayor. “These investments will help ensure that our creek, our environment, our community and Superior's outdoor recreation economy can continue to thrive for generations to come.”
The agreement passed with unanimous approval from Superior’s town council. Officials said it will restore flows in Queen Creek, remove debris and invasive vegetation, improve the ability to capture and return water to the creek and establish a $5 million endowment to fund long-term water projects throughout the Queen Creek watershed.
The water will come from a variety of places, including a number of underground water sources. The largest portion will come from wells that were previously used to supply water for farms. Groundwater used in the restoration efforts will be treated to high quality standards before being released into the creek.
Currently, Superior’s section of Queen Creek is mostly dry, but occasionally flows during heavy rains. It typically does not flow at all for at least 10 months each year.
Under the new agreement, water will likely flow through the creek during about 10 months out of the year, which was the case before the watershed was altered by mining work throughout the last century.
Water is expected to start flowing through the creek in three to six months.
Town officials said the deal would also “provide long-term water security” that may pave the way for future residential growth.
“Imagine what comes next,” Besich said. “Imagine Queen Creek flowing again. Imagine healthier aquifers. Imagine new homes being built again, because we have secured our long-term water future. Imagine the next generation of families choosing to stay here, build here, and invest here. This is what this agreement represents.”
Resolution Copper is in the process of opening up a massive new mine near Superior. The project around Oak Flat has raised concerns that mining work could strain groundwater sources in the area.
