Water Water Everywhere ~ NOT

Are Our Current Growth and Water Use Sustainable?.

The use of water is constantly changing as our population continues to expand, and we respond to any number of external events, including new technologies, global climate, and energy availability. Arizona initially developed through exploiting its natural resources, often at rates that would deplete the region over time. We will need the ability to make adjustments in a timely manner and avoid crossing critical thresholds that could result in irreversible shortages. Groundwater overuse could dewater an aquifer and compact its underground structure. This could lead to permanent loss of water storage capacity, increased vulnerability to drought, drying up of streams, or land subsidence. All of which have occurred in Arizona.

To meet demand, we must increase our investments in new water resources. Many of our leaders miss this fundamental relationship. They want to allow continued growth, but do not want to invest in the tools needed to manage and serve our complex communities. Arizona has made significant advances in linking water and growth including requiring Arizona's larger or faster-growing local governments to consider water adequacy in their long-range plans. They require a 100-year renewable water supply before land can be subdivided, and last year's legislation allowing cities and towns to require new subdivisions to have a 100-year water supply.

Arizona's leaders will be considering transportation and water-management initiatives. It is hoped that we will, envision and plan for strong and healthy communities and be willing to invest to make it happen. Priority goals for assuring a sustainable Arizona water supply include: • Develop long-range water-demand projections. • Forge regional partnerships. • Secure future supplies. • Understand and prepare for climate change. • Modify the state's regulatory and water-management organizations to require water adequacy in urban and rural areas, and to facilitate water transfers. • Address environmental quality, related to water management. February 01, 2008 AZ Central.com rw