The drilling and testing phase will require a drilling rig with a 40-foot tall mast, equipment trucks, mud pumping-equipment, diesel generator, forklift and other smaller equipment. The photos below illustrate a typical drilling operation.

The contractor will start by delivering equipment and constructing 24-foot sound-wall panels around the perimeter of the project to assist with noise and light abatement to residents - some noise and light will still be experienced. Drilling commences once the sound-wall is established and will occur on a 24-hour basis in order to prevent a collapse in the well. This phase can last up to 16 weeks.

As part of the AS&R Wells project to connect ASR Well 160 & ASR Well 161 to Scottsdale Water's treatment facility, construction of a new water main will take place. This part of the project will extend from E. Bell Road, north onto N. 82nd St. and then travel east and west along E. Mayo Blvd.

This part of the project includes utility potholing, pavement milling, trench excavation, and installation of a new water pipeline. A series of fiber optic cables will also be installed in conjunction with the water line. All disturbed pavement will be replaced and re-striped.

The pipeline and fiber optic cables will span from future ASR Well 161 (located at the Scottsdale Sports Complex) to the city of Scottsdale's Water Campus. There will be additional 16-inch waterline installed on Mayo Blvd. from Hayden Road to 82nd St. in order to tie into Well 160 (at the Fire Station) which could begin as early as Fall 2023.

Sections of the project are divided as shown on the map below. Timelines are subject to change.

Section 1: April and August 2023
The April construction phase is complete. August will consist of Mayo Blvd. being closed in both directions from N Hayden Road to N Perimeter Drive.

Section 2: April 24 - June 30, 2023
Lane restrictions will apply during different periods. Access to Stonebrook will be always available at all times, either at E Theresa Drive or E Michelle Drive. Access from Mayo Blvd will be open.

Section 3: May 22 - Aug. 18, 2023
Lane restrictions may apply but no closures expected.

What is an ASR Well?

An ASR Well is an Aquifer Storage & Recovery Well that is designed to be better utilize Scottsdale's water supply. The well will deposit water into Scottsdale's underground aquifer in times of water supply surplus. It will extract water from the aquifer when supplemental water is needed to meet the city's demand.

Why this location?

The location of Well 159 was based on several factors. The land and site were available for purchase through Arizona State Land Development. Research showed this area would likely produce a successful well which turned out to be validated.

What is the need of this facility?

Scottsdale is constructing four Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Wells at strategic locations throughout the city. This is part of Scottsdale's commitment to maximizing renewable surface water supplies and minimizing the use of groundwater. This will also ensure long-term water supply sustainability by recharging high quality, potable water directly into the aquifer when water demand is low (late fall and winter months) and retain the capability to withdraw groundwater during high demand or emergencies.

What will the wall look like?

The wall will be constructed 360° around the perimeter and extend up to 10 feet high. The walls will use native colors to match the surrounding facilities.

What will the landscape look like?

Exterior and interior landscape surrounding the wall will consist of native, desert-adapted plants.

How bright and how much lighting will there be?

The facility will adorn low-level security lighting during non-daylight hours. No excessive lighting will be used at the facility.

Is there public access?

There will be no public access at this facility. The property will have a security gate and only be accessed by approved city workers.

What will the noise level be surrounding the facility?

Construction will include normal construction noises during daylight hours. Once construction is complete, residents will not experience any sound from this system other than normal business processes.

Will this affect the walking paths in the surrounding area?

No. The paved walking path adjacent to this site will remain untouched and still be accessible to the public.

How much activity will be going on at the site?

Once built, the facility will require minimal staffing and activity. The site will not house any offices or act as a home-base for any employees. The site will be inspected, checked and maintained by a minimal number of City workers on a regular basis.