Tempe Resident Reported Recurring Canal Flooding Damage
A senior living in Sage Point has dealt with repeated water damage originating from a nearby canal embankment.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Emergency Response
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A 69-year-old resident of the Sage Point community in Tempe has experienced repeated flooding in her backyard caused by heavy monsoon rain. The water and eroded dirt flow directly from a neighboring Salt River Project canal embankment, damaging her patio and home structure.
Why it matters
The situation highlights a jurisdictional dispute regarding the maintenance of canal banks and the impact on local property owners. Clarifying who is responsible for the embankment is essential for protecting the homes of residents from ongoing seasonal damage.
A 69-year-old resident at Sage Point reported damage to her patio, shed, and the undercarriage of her mobile home. The resident currently relies on sandbags and a hand-dug trench to redirect water flow during monsoon rain events.
The players
Shelly Yarbrough
She is a 69-year-old resident living in the Sage Point senior community who has reported flooding damage.
Salt River Project
It is a utility company that provides water and power to the Phoenix metropolitan area and manages canal infrastructure.
City of Tempe
This is the municipal government responsible for maintaining the local canal bank under a Canal Multiple Use license.
The details
During heavy monsoon storms, water and dirt cascade from the Salt River Project canal embankment into the backyard of the Sage Point senior community. While the Salt River Project has identified the City of Tempe as the entity responsible for the bank under a Canal Multiple Use license, the recurring flooding continues to affect the resident's property.
Timeline
October 2025: Shelly Yarbrough sent a formal email to park management regarding the issue.
Week of September 22, 2026: The Salt River Project became aware of the ongoing flooding situation.
Seasonal Patterns
The conflict over maintenance responsibilities follows a pattern established by the Canal Multiple Use license which dictates how municipal authorities manage urban water infrastructure. This dispute highlights how localized erosion risks persist as seasonal monsoon patterns continue to stress aging canal embankments.
Residents living near irrigation canals should inspect their property lines for signs of embankment erosion before the monsoon season arrives. Those facing similar flooding issues should document damage and contact their local municipal government to confirm current maintenance agreements.
The takeaway
Property owners are encouraged to keep detailed records of communication with both utilities and local government offices regarding infrastructure maintenance. Identifying the correct responsible party early is the most effective step in seeking long-term mitigation for water-related property damage.
Further reading
For more information on infrastructure safety, visit the Emergency Response section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.
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