What is flood irrigation and do irrigation districts or water rights matter in Phoenix suburbs?

Flood irrigation refers to water delivered through open ditches or canals, often originating from historic agricultural water rights. Some properties in the Phoenix area, especially in older neighborhoods or former farm areas, still have active irrigation rights that provide a set number of hours per year of low cost water for landscaping. These rights are tied to the land and transfer with the property. In newer subdivisions and much of the far north valley, flood irrigation is uncommon. If a property does have irrigation rights, the listing will typically mention it. You can verify the status and any assessments through the irrigation district directly or by reviewing the title report and SPDS during escrow.