About 1,500 north Phoenix families are anxiously awaiting answers about their water supply.
The wells are drying up, and residents near New River and Desert Hills could lose water service from the City of Phoenix by the end of the month.
"This is more valuable than any gold I'll ever find," said resident Julie Elliott, who is spearheading the community group searching for water solutions. "Right now, we call the water hauler, and they come out with a big tank."
The water she gets currently is from Phoenix, but come April 30; the city said it would be terminating that service.
The City of Phoenix has already extended its service longer than anticipated. In an effort to help its neighbors, EPCOR stepped in to make plans for a hauling station that would offer water to the 1,500 people currently relying on Phoenix.
However, EPCOR's building plans have been delayed.
The land is designated as "national area open space," but EPCOR is working with the Army Corps to remove that designation so construction can begin.
"No one is winning, and I know the residents are a little bit nervous about all of this," said Troy Day, the Vice-President of Operations for EPCOR. "We are doing what we can to expedite the process."
For now, residents affected are hoping Phoenix will offer another extension and continue service.
"Down here, I see a very precious resource that I can't waste," said Elliot.
