CAP Canal Project in North Phoenix: What’s Happening Near 7th Street?

Updated July 26, 2026: This article has been revised using the latest information published by Central Arizona Project.

What Is the CAP Water Education Center in North Phoenix?

If you’ve driven along 7th Street north of Deer Valley Road, you’ve probably noticed major construction at Central Arizona Project headquarters. The project is CAP’s new Water Education Center, an educational destination being built on both sides of the canal and connected by a pedestrian bridge.

🎥 I filmed a quick video from the area to explain what was taking shape. Since that video was recorded, CAP has released additional details about the project, which are included below.

➡️ Watch the video here:

What is the CAP Canal?

The Central Arizona Project is a 336-mile system that delivers Colorado River water to central and southern Arizona. The system serves cities, communities, agricultural users and Tribal nations across the state.

CAP’s headquarters is located at 23636 N. 7th Street in North Phoenix, which is why this new education center is being built beside the canal in this location.

What Is CAP Building Near 7th Street?

CAP broke ground on its new Water Education Center in May 2025. The facility is designed to help students and other visitors learn about Arizona’s water system, including the history of CAP, the water cycle and how Colorado River water is delivered across the state.

Plans include buildings on both sides of the canal connected by a pedestrian bridge. Exhibits will feature large-scale infrastructure components, including a 66-inch valve weighing approximately 8,400 pounds.

In February 2026, CAP reported that the center was expected to be ready for visitors in approximately one year. Construction timelines can change as the project progresses.

Why the Water Education Center Matters

The center will give students and other visitors a closer look at the infrastructure behind Arizona’s water supply. Planned programming will explain the history of CAP, the water cycle, conservation and how Colorado River water reaches communities across central and southern Arizona.

For North Phoenix residents, it also creates a new educational destination in an area experiencing significant residential, employment and infrastructure growth. Its full-size equipment and canal-spanning design should make a complex subject easier to see and understand.

Current Construction Status

As of CAP’s February 17, 2026 update, walls were going up on both sides of the canal and major exhibit components were being installed. Steel framing and work on the bridge connecting the two buildings were expected to follow.

Construction activity may remain visible from 7th Street as the project moves toward completion. For safety, follow all posted restrictions around the headquarters and canal area.

What North Phoenix Residents Should Know

This is an educational facility at CAP headquarters, not a residential or commercial development. The most noticeable short-term effects are construction activity near 7th Street and possible changes around the immediate work area.

CAP will provide the best information about the center’s completion and future visitor access. For other verified projects affecting nearby neighborhoods, roads, shopping and recreation, visit our North Phoenix Growth & Development Tracker.

And if you haven’t watched the video yet, you can see it here: