Phoenix Water Leak Traced to Corroded Backflow Device
City officials say a corroded device, not city infrastructure, caused a months-long leak at Mountain Vista City Park as Phoenix prepares for drought measures.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Utilities
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Phoenix officials determined that water leaking at Mountain Vista City Park in Ahwatukee came from a corroded backflow device near the park's northwest corner, not from Phoenix Water Services infrastructure. The leak had stopped by the time it was checked again, and the city notified the appropriate department to address it.
Why it matters
The Phoenix area's drinking water depends heavily on the Colorado River, and the city is preparing for significant supply cuts. Residents are reminded that maintenance of private backflow equipment can affect local water losses even when it falls outside city systems.
Phoenix receives about 40% of its drinking water from the Colorado River, and those deliveries could fall by roughly 30%, according to city projections. The exact volume of water lost from the Mountain Vista leak has not been reported.
The players
Phoenix Water Services
The city department responsible for supplying drinking water to Phoenix residents and maintaining its water infrastructure.
ABC15
A Phoenix-area television news station that reported on the park leak and the city's fix.
The details
An above-ground valve at Mountain Vista City Park near 48th Street and Knox Road leaked for months after a resident reported it to city departments and later to ABC15. An investigation found the water originated from a corroded backflow device near the northwest corner of the park, which is not part of city infrastructure.
Timeline
Months before the report: a valve leak persisted at the park despite resident reports.
November 15, 2026: an ABC15 article on the leak fix was published.
January 2027: Phoenix is scheduled to enter Stage 2 of its Drought Management Plan.
Seasonal Patterns
The leak report arrives as Phoenix moves toward Stage 2 of its Drought Management Plan in January 2027, a step taken because of projected cuts to Colorado River deliveries. Small losses like this matter more when the city is asking residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 5%.
Residential customers using more than 14,960 gallons a month could face a proposed drought surcharge of $2.10 per 748 gallons, affecting about 16% of residential customers. Households may also qualify for higher grass-removal rebates of $4 per square foot, up from $2, and $150 smart irrigation controller rebates.
The takeaway
Check irrigation and backflow equipment on your property regularly, since private failures can waste water unnoticed. Taking advantage of rebates for grass removal or smart controllers can help households prepare for drought surcharges.
What happens next
Phoenix is scheduled to enter Stage 2 of its Drought Management Plan in January 2027, when residents and businesses will be asked to voluntarily reduce water use by 5%.
Further reading
Explore more on Utilities coverage for Phoenix water supply and drought planning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.
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