Here is your long-anticipated water update from SRP. These slides are from the SRP Board Meeting, October 6, 2025. The monsoon season officially ended on September 30th, and the data in the following slides is based on that end date.
On the first slide you can see how much precipitation was received in the Salt River and Verde River watersheds. Those watersheds feed the series reservoirs created by dams on both rivers (Theodore Roosevelt, Bartlett, Horseshoe, etc.). June and September precipitation was well above normal, but July and August were below normal. We ended up for the season at 94% of normal (June 15 – Sep 30). The amazing rains we had in October will be reflected in the spring report.
The second and third slides show the storage levels in those reservoirs. The first slide just shows SRP reservoirs, and the second slide shows the entire Central Valley reservoir status. These levels are not particularly concerning as the majority of runoff feeding these come from snowfall/snow melt in the spring. Also, as you can imagine, most of the water use and power generation from those systems is highest in the hot Arizona summers so it is not unusual for levels to be lower this time of year.
The next slide shows the entire Colorado River system and the levels of reservoirs in that system. Arizona still gets about 36% of its water from that system. The 1922 Colorado River Compact that governs the allocation of water from the Colorado Rivers is currently being renegotiated as that system continues to run at very low capacity, currently at 37%, down from 43%. Current usage/allocations are likely unsustainable.
We hope to get our hands on these slides again in the spring after what is hopefully a wet snowy winter in the White Mountains. Enjoy the cooling weather!
The Kolb Team
Fair Market Value
The fair market value of a property is the price a property would fetch if it was put up for sale under current conditions.
Determining fair market value usually requires a comparative analysis of the current market and housing prices.
However, in cases where a property is exceptionally unique — such as if it were owned by somebody famous — fair market value can be difficult to determine.
563 W Champagne Dr.
Beautifully maintained 2BR, 2.5BA home on the golf course in the active adult community of Ironwood at Sun Lakes. Two primary suites in this gem across the street from the clubhouse in Ironwood. Large Great Room with vaulted ceilings, golf course views and a cozy fireplace. Kitchen has oak cabinets, Corian counters, breakfast bar & cute breakfast area. First primary suite features dual sinks, shower/tub combo, window seat and walk-in closet. The second primary suite has vaulted ceilings, golf views, slider to patio, walk-in shower and large closet. Comfortable backyard w/custom seating areas and built-in BBQ. Extended length garage, 2022 AC, bonus half bath. Start enjoying the many amenities of IronOaks with pools, golf, tennis, pickleball, two fantastic restaurants and countless clubs.
Recipe of the Month
The Best Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients:
- Coffee or Espresso
- Pumpkin Puree
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Vanilla
- Sweetener (maple syrup or brown sugar)
- Whipped Cream (Optional)
Tips:
Tip 1: Warm ingredients gently. Heat the milk, pumpkin puree sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract on the stove over medium heat. Slowly heating the mixture prevents scolding the milk but helps the sugar melt.
Tip 2: Use strong coffee: Coffee shops use espresso, a bit stronger than typical brewed coffee at home. I use home-brewed espresso or add extra coffee grinds to my regular brew when making lattes.
Tip 3: For even more pumpkin flavor: If you want a more intense pumpkin flavor, try reducing the pumpkin puree before adding it to the milk mixture. Simmer the puree until it’s reduced by about one-third to concentrate the flavor. You can do this in advance and store the concentrated puree in your refrigerator for your next latte craving! Or try maple pumpkin butter instead.
Fall Shred-A-Thon
Saturday, November 1, 2025
8-10 AM
Sun Lakes Softball Field of Dreams
Aging Made Easier Conference
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
8:30AM – 12PM
Risen Savior Lutheran Church
23620 S. Alma School Road
Chandler, AZ 85248.
We Were Voted Next Door Favorite!
See our Featured Listings
NEW! Check out our new Townsites page. A page dedicated to Sun Lakes Arizona Living! See what’s happening around Sun Lakes and Chandler: https://sunlakesarizonaliving.com/?tour=on
Continuing the Honey Celebration
In our last newsletter, we shared that September is National Honey month and some interesting facts about nature’s golden multitasker. You can check out the article here. Now, let’s dive deeper and learn 21 ways to use honey.
Honey has been prized for thousands of years because it’s not only a sweet treat, but also a natural remedy, preservative, and beauty enhancer. Beyond its delicious flavor, this golden liquid boasts antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that make it a staple in kitchens and medicine cabinets alike. Here are 21 versatile uses of honey that prove it’s so much more than a sweetener.
1. Natural Sweetener
Honey is a classic substitute for sugar in tea, coffee, and baked goods. It adds flavor and depth while offering trace vitamins and minerals not found in refined sugar.
2. Cough Suppressant
A spoonful of honey can soothe a sore throat and calm a cough. Studies show it’s just as effective as some over-the-counter cough syrups, especially when taken before bed.
3. Sore Throat Remedy
Mixed with warm water and lemon, honey coats the throat, easing irritation and helping to fight off infection.
4. Wound Healer
Raw honey has natural antibacterial properties that make it excellent for treating minor cuts and burns. It helps prevent infection and promotes faster healing by keeping wounds moist.
5. Skin Moisturizer
Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture. Add a spoonful to your face mask or use it alone as a gentle, hydrating treatment for dry skin.
6. Acne Treatment
Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey can help reduce pimples. Dab a small amount on acne or make a honey-cinnamon mask to combat breakouts.
7. Lip Balm
Apply a thin layer of honey to chapped lips for natural healing and softness. Its moisture-locking properties make it an excellent alternative to store-bought lip balms.
8. Hair Conditioner
Honey helps smooth and soften hair. Mix it with olive oil or coconut oil and apply it as a deep-conditioning mask before shampooing.
9. Energy Booster
Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates that provide quick energy. A spoonful before a workout or during endurance activities can help sustain stamina.
10. Sleep Aid
A bit of honey in warm milk or herbal tea before bed can promote restful sleep. It helps regulate serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain.
11. Digestive Aid
Honey can soothe the stomach and aid digestion. A mix of honey and apple cider vinegar in warm water is a popular tonic for bloating or indigestion.
12. Allergy Relief
Some people use locally grown, organic honey to help reduce seasonal allergies. The small amounts of pollen may help build tolerance over time, though results vary.
13. Face Cleanser
Honey gently cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Massage it onto damp skin, then rinse for a soft, dewy glow.
14. Bath Soak
Add a few tablespoons of honey to warm bath water for a luxurious soak. It nourishes and hydrates the skin while providing a light, sweet aroma.
15. Food Preservative
Honey’s low water content and acidity inhibit bacterial growth, making it an excellent natural preservative. It’s why pure honey can last indefinitely when stored properly.
16. Salad Dressing Ingredient
Whisk honey into vinaigrettes for a touch of sweetness that balances acidity. It pairs beautifully with mustard, lemon, and balsamic vinegar.
17. Baking Enhancer
In baking, honey adds moisture, flavor, and a beautiful golden color to bread, cakes, and muffins. It can also extend shelf life by retaining moisture.
18. Lip and Body Scrub
Combine honey with sugar or ground oats for a natural exfoliating scrub. It removes dead skin cells and leaves skin silky smooth.
19. Immune System Support
Raw honey is rich in antioxidants and enzymes that support overall immune health. A daily spoonful can help strengthen your body’s natural defenses.
20. Cold and Flu Relief
Honey mixed with ginger and lemon makes a comforting natural syrup for easing congestion, soothing the throat, and boosting immunity.
21. Burn and Sunburn Relief
When applied to minor burns or sunburned skin, honey cools the area, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing – thanks to its antibacterial and soothing properties.
Honey is one of nature’s most versatile and beneficial gifts. Whether used for health, beauty, cooking, or healing, its natural compounds offer a wealth of benefits that modern science continues to confirm. From soothing sore throats to softening skin and sweetening food, honey truly earns its reputation as liquid gold – sweet, simple, and powerful in every amber drop.
“The Kolb Team was absolutely amazing to work with. This was our first home purchase in Arizona and there were there with us every step of the way. They couldn't have made the process any easier. They have a vast knowledge of Arizona real estate and had great insights for us. I would absolutely recommend using them for a real estate agent. In fact, a couple years down the road when we are ready to purchase a bigger home. I will only work with them. Overall great experience and my wife and I couldn't be happier with our new home!!”
Tyler H.
Searching for That Perfect Home?
When looking at pictures online, it can be tricky to figure out the layout of a home. We can help you with that! On our website, you can access the most popular floor plans in Sun Lakes, AZ. Just click the button below!
Vendor of the Month: Sun Lakes Garden Club
The purpose of the club is to promote a fun and educational club where members can learn all of the facets of horticulture, through field trips, expert speakers and learning from each other while building friendships.
For more information, call (480) 895-3687 or visit their website.
Recent Real Estate Sales in Sun Lakes
Wondering about your Neighbor’s Home Sales Price? Find out here to see what sold last month. The report is broken down by HOA, address, and floor plan (if the agent listed the model in MLS).
We Are Proud Supporters of Neighbors Who Care!
Neighbors Who Care strives to improve seniors' lives by promoting independence, dignity, and community.
Support for Neighbors Who Care is sourced mostly from individual donations from the community.
Consider joining our volunteer corps and meet some of the nicest people around who also are among the most appreciative people we know.
Would You Like a Free Buyer Guide or a Seller Guide?
Get Insider Information
We live, work, play, and volunteer in Sun Lakes and we know the ins and outs of this community.
As always, if you or someone you know is considering buying or selling a home,
we are here year-round and would love to help! Visit us online at
TheKolbTeam.com or call 480-809-5759.
