For billing inquiries, please call our Utility Billing Division at 623-349-6100, Monday through Thursday from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
Please note: The Town of Buckeye does not provide flood irrigation services on weekends. Operating hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am to 6:00pm.
Flood Irrigation Service
The Town of Buckeye provides flood irrigation service to approximately 450 residential customers and Bayless Park on Apache Road. Our services include both operation and maintenance of the distribution system on behalf of our irrigation customers.
Town of Buckeye "Irrigators" control the delivery of water to each property by opening and closing the main gates and customer valves in a controlled sequence. The irrigators serve multiple properties and subdivisions at once, and must carefully maintain the amount of flow and pressure to each gate, pipe and valve to ensure proper coverage and efficient use of both water and time. Unless there is a flooding emergency, it is not necessary or advisable for customers to operate their own valves. Doing so causes an unexpected increase or decrease in system pressure that may result in excess water flooding the properties, or shortening water to adjacent properties. The irrigators visually monitor the water level of each yard during the irrigation sequence. Due to the number of houses being irrigated at any particular time, the irrigators are not usually able to stay onsite for each property as it fills
If there is a problem or condition that prevents the complete irrigation of the property (such as a leaking berm) the irrigator will either speak with the customer directly, or note the condition on a door-hanger to notify the owner/occupant of the problem. While courtesy efforts may help our customers receive a full irrigation, ultimately, the customer must ensure their property is ready to receive and retain water. Please click the following link to view the Town Council adopted Resolution for further details RES 8-78
The irrigation system is a gravity fed system, no pumps are used at any point in the system. The water is received from two sources - Buckeye Water Conservation and Drainage District and Roosevelt Irrigation District. Homes to the south of the Southern Pacific Railroad are serviced with water from Buckeye Water Conservation and homes to the north of Baseline Road in the Valencia subdivision are serviced with water from the Roosevelt Irrigation District. For this reason, water must be ordered in advance of the actual delivery date. The released water is diverted through a series of gates and pipes to each subdivision and property.
The Town of Buckeye irrigation system is a user network that is maintained by those who use it. To report water theft, vandalism, graffiti or suspicious behavior, please contact the Town of Buckeye Police Department at 623-349-6400.
Irrigation Terminology
What is an irrigation "Run"?
The term irrigation "run" is an approximate two week period during which all active accounts receive flood irrigation. There are historic subdivisions within the service area that cannot be irrigated simultaneously. The Town allows water to flow for no more than two hours per yard to provide ample amount of time to give equal service to all.
Each week of a two-week run begins on a Monday morning at 6:00 a.m. and continues throughout the week. Typically all accounts scheduled within a particular week will receive water within their two week period. The only exception is when the schedule falls on an observed holiday. In that case we may postpone deliveries until the following day so our irrigation customers and Buckeye residents may enjoy their yards and Town parks on those extended holiday weekends.
The following variables may also affect delivery times and dates:
- The delivery schedule of the canal company and its ability to provide water in the canal system
- System capacity (pressure and low capability of pipes)
- The number of active accounts in each subdivision
- The overall condition of the properties within the subdivision, including the construction of adequate berms to retain water, the amount of debris in yards, length of grass (obstructs flow and monitoring) and overall soil conditions (moist from recent rain or completely dry)
- Lot sizes of the properties within the subdivision
- Equipment or system tampering
- Main breaks that force the system to be shut down for repair
- Line condition (pipes plugged with roots or debris)
Each of these variables impact how effectively water can be delivered throughout the system. Water is usually delivered approximately within the two week period.
What and Where is the "Valve"?
Irrigation valves, sometimes called ports, are acutally like a ground-level faucet that controls the release of water to each property. Valves have a center "stem" used to open and close the valve. The Irrigator opens the valve to a set point based on the size and flow characteristics of each property. Valves can be located anywhere on the property, but are usually about three or four feet in from the property line along the street or alleyway.
What is a "Berm"?
A berm is an earthen ridge or raised area of dense soil that retains water within an area, or prevents water from entering a structure or other areas you do not want water. Berms surround the perimeter of most irrigated properties and homes. Berms are constructed using a clay type soil to create the rides, then lightly sprinkling them with water to settle them into place over time. As grass grows, berms become more resistant to erosion and collapse. As a general rule for ease of maintenance, berms should be three times as wide as they are tall. This dimension allows for cutting the grass without scalping and also helps to prevent shearing the top off the berm with the lawn mower. Also keep in mind that berm design should allow water to safely spill into a street or alley rather than enter any structure, patio, storage shed, etc.
What is a "Conduit"?
A conduit is a pipe that conveys water from one part of the yard to another. Conduits are often placed under driveways and sidewalks for water to reach from one side to the other. Conduits should be flushed out each winter to remove leaves and debris. A garden hose equipped with a spray nozzle works well.
Helpful Tips for a Complete Irrigation of Your Property
If possible, watch your yard as it is being irrigated. Look for any obstructions or resistance to flow. Fill in low spots in berms and grade the property as needed. Ensure the property is ready to safely receive and retain water. Ensure water cannot enter any structures.
- Pets must have refuge from the area to be irrigated
- Trim grass to less than six inches. Doing so allows the irrigator to monitor the flow and depth of water
- Flush out conduits to remove debris
- Remove items from the yard that may be damaged by water or pose a safety hazard to the irrigator
- Provide clear access to the irrigation valve. The irrigators may actuate your valve by using a small step ladder to reach over a wall or fence from the alleyway. Please ensure the area behind any walls or fences (near the irrigation valve) is kept free of debris.
If you have questions related to your flood irrigation service, please contact the Water Resources Department directly at 623-349-6103, Monday through Thursday from 7:00am to 6:00pm or you may contact field staff directly during irrigation hours.
Rick Harrell,
Irrigation Foreman
423 Arizona Eastern Ave
Buckeye, AZ 85326
Phone: (623) 764-4852
Fax: (623) 349-6850
After Hours Emergency
Number: (623) 349-6400
Hours:
Monday – Thursday
6:30 AM - 3:30 PM
