Queen Creek is making a major move to secure its future growth. The town recently approved the next step in a $240 million deal to purchase water rights from the Harquahala Valley, located about 80 miles west of Phoenix. While still in the negotiation phase, this agreement could bring 12,000 acre-feet of water annually to Queen Creek — on top of the 5,000 acre-feet it acquired earlier this year.

For residents, homebuyers, and anyone considering a move to the area, this deal has big implications. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, why it matters, and how it could affect housing and everyday life in Queen Creek.

Why Queen Creek Needs This Deal

Unlike many metro Phoenix cities, Queen Creek does not yet have a “100-year assured water supply” designation from the Arizona Department of Water Resources. This designation is required to prove a city can sustainably serve residents and businesses for the next century. Without it, developers must secure water approvals project by project, slowing down growth and limiting new housing supply.

With the state recently tightening rules on groundwater reliance, securing an outside water source is now critical for Queen Creek’s expansion. This Harquahala Valley deal could put the town on track to achieve its designation as early as 2027.

The Benefits for Queen Creek

✅ Unlocking Growth
Once the town has its 100-year designation, developers will no longer need to seek individual water certificates. This opens the door for new housing projects and commercial development, increasing supply and giving buyers more options.

✅ Local Control Over Water
Currently, many Queen Creek homeowners pay fees to the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD). With this deal, residents would instead pay the town directly, giving Queen Creek more control over rates and long-term planning.

✅ Market Confidence
A stable and assured water supply increases buyer confidence, strengthens resale values, and makes the area more appealing for new businesses and families.

✅ Long-Term Stability
The agreement also positions Queen Creek for decades of growth. In addition to the initial purchase, it could grant the town access to 1.2 million acre-feet of stored water over the next 110 years.

The Trade-Offs and Challenges

While the benefits are clear, there are also some important considerations:

⚠️ Costs for Residents
The $240 million purchase has to be paid for somehow. Options under discussion include bonds, new water replenishment fees, higher developer fees, or a mix of these. While the long-term plan is to replace current CAGRD fees, some homeowners may still see an increase in their bills.

⚠️ Financing Uncertainty
The town is considering short-term financing and later refinancing with a 30-year bond issue. Until finalized, there’s no clear picture of how costs will be spread across residents, developers, and the town itself.

⚠️ Short-Term Pressure
The benefits of this deal may not be felt until after 2027, when the state could grant the 100-year designation. In the meantime, the housing market may continue to feel the effects of slower development approvals.

What It Means for Housing

For current homeowners, this is largely good news. A secure water supply supports home values and reduces long-term risks. For buyers, the short-term picture may still involve higher prices and limited inventory, but over time, this deal will allow more homes to be built — giving buyers more choice and helping balance supply with demand.

In other words, while some near-term costs may rise, the long-term outcome is expected to make Queen Creek a more stable, sustainable, and attractive place to live.

Bottom Line

Queen Creek’s pursuit of this $240M water deal is a necessary investment in its future. Without it, growth would stall, home values could flatten, and the town would lose ground to surrounding communities. With it, Queen Creek is set to secure long-term stability, attract new development, and give residents more confidence in their community’s future.

The next steps will involve ironing out financing and final approvals, but the direction is clear: Queen Creek is investing heavily to position itself as a competitive, desirable market for decades to come.

👉 Thinking about buying or selling in Queen Creek? This water deal could impact timing, pricing, and demand in the next few years. If you’d like a breakdown specific to your neighborhood or home search, reach out — I’ll walk you through what it means for you.