The city of Buckeye, Arizona, is determined to continue its rapid growth even in the face of a water shortage. Despite the state of Arizona imposing restrictions on house building due to a lack of water, Buckeye plans to become one of the largest cities in the US West, with a projected population of 1.5 million people. To sustain this growth, the city is considering unconventional options, such as constructing a pipeline that would transport water from Mexico. Buckeye’s mayor, Eric Orsborn, expressed his commitment to continue growing and explore different avenues to secure water resources.
Buckeye has experienced a significant population increase over the past decade, doubling to nearly 120,000 residents. The city’s expansive boundaries stretch into the Sonoran Desert, and its ambitions to expand into suburbia are hindered by Arizona’s water situation. The state has placed restrictions on groundwater usage, limiting future house building. Moreover, Arizona has lost a fifth of its water allocation from the Colorado River. Despite these challenges, Buckeye is determined to find alternative water sources to sustain its growth. The city is considering methods like water recycling, purchasing, and even importing water to meet its needs.
Mayor Orsborn acknowledged the need to handle water resources carefully but emphasized that Buckeye intends to continue full steam ahead with its growth plans. The city is actively exploring options to support its desired expansion rate. By utilizing unique ideas, such as importing water from Mexico, Buckeye hopes to maintain its relentless march into the desert and become one of the largest cities in the western US.
