PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and Central Arizona Project (CAP) are providing a reminder to anglers and recreationists that fishing and swimming are prohibited in the CAP canal.
The 336-mile canal, which traverses through the Arizona desert and the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, is fenced the entire way to ensure maximum safety. Whenever that fencing is purposely — and illegally — cut to gain access, it opens the possibility of drownings – both of people and thirsty wildlife trying to drink from the canal. The canal’s smooth concrete sides, combined with the strong current, make it extremely difficult for people or wildlife that have fallen in the water to climb out.
Also, the CAP canal is federal property and must be fenced off for security purposes. The system includes features such as siphons, overchutes and check structures that present other safety concerns. It is illegal to trespass upon any CAP property and could subject someone to a felony charge. The canal is monitored continuously by law enforcement.
“The fence along the CAP canal provides an important safety barrier to species that cannot swim well or fly out,” said Rana Murphy, terrestrial wildlife specialist for AZGFD’s regional office in Tucson. “Cutting that fence puts one of Arizona’s most valuable resources — our wildlife — at risk.”
If you see any canal cuts or suspicious activity around the CAP canal, please call 1-800-847-2303. This number is monitored 24/7.