Residents ask:  What is a DWID?  

What is a DWID? 

A Domestic Water Improvement District (DWID) is a subdivision of the State or County. Among other powers, it has the authority to finance and serve drinking water inside District boundaries. Rates are established to cover the costs of running the District and serving water. A DWID is a not-for-profit entity. Rates can be set and adjusted as appropriate without gaining approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission. Rates are established to cover the cost of operation of the DWID. 

Rim Trail Domestic Water Improvement District (RTDWID) was formed in 1977 to serve the unincorporated community of Rim Trail, Arizona in Gila County. 

DWID Handbook: 

https://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/digital/collection/statepubs/id/2258/ 

Who owns a DWID? 

Property owners in the community of Rim Trail jointly own the DWID and its assets. Membership in the RTDWID passes with property ownership. A RTDWID water meter establishes a connection to the infrastructure and a share of the water production Operating expenses, water production or losses, operating capital, loan acquisition and repayment all are shared by the joint owners. 

Who makes the decisions regarding the DWID? 

The community of Rim Trail has elected a five-member Board to represent them. The Board of the DWID makes decisions regarding the DWID. DWIDs are required by Arizona law to follow the same budget process set out for counties and municipalities which require public notice, public access to estimates of revenues and expenses as well as public hearings. Meetings are announced in advance and agendas are posted. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. 

RTDWID Bylaws: 

https://rimtrailwater.org/Documents/Bylaws_052717.pdf 

How is the DWID funded? 

Initially, the DWID may be funded by grants or low-interest loans available through the RWIC or its members. The Arizona Rural Water Infrastructure Committee (RWIC) is a partnership of various federal and state agencies who provide loans, grants and technical assistance to Arizona's rural communities. The costs to operate the DWID may be wholly covered by the charges for water delivered by the DWID and may not require a tax levy. Districts may also issue bonds for improvements. 

A DWID is a "special taxing District" under Arizona Revised Statute Title 48, and if revenues from water sales are not sufficient to fund DWID operations, then the DWID has the authority to levy taxes. To do so, DWIDs follow procedures prescribed by Arizona law to notice property owners within the District and hold public hearings. Any taxpayer within the District may appear and be heard in favor of or against any proposed tax levy. 

In a DWID, if you don't have to go to the Arizona Corporation Commission to apply for a rate increase, who determines rates and when/how they may increase?
Is there a vote taken amongst the residents within the DWID boundaries regarding rate increases? 

Each year the board of directors of a District must prepare annual statements and estimates of expenses for the District, publish a notice to the public, hold hearings and adopt the budget at the times and in the manner provided for county statements and estimates by Arizona Revised Statutes Title 42, Chapter 17, Article 3. This is the same timeframe required for cities and towns. A vote is not required, but a public hearing must be held and residents within the District have the right to question the proposed budget and any charges resulting from the budget.