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2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Water Resources Research Center at the University of Arizona. Find out more. | | |
IN THIS ISSUE: Factsheet Release, OECD, WIFA, The Buzz | | |
WRRC Releases Navajo County Factsheet | |
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As the 14th addition to the WRRC’s Arizona Water Factsheet series, the Navajo County Factsheet highlights key water topics in Navajo County, including the county's reliance on groundwater, the significance of surface water from the Little Colorado River, and efforts to address water quality issues and wildfire impacts. The factsheet emphasizes how land and water management are largely influenced by land ownership, with 66% of lands in Navajo County being Tribally managed. Other influences include legal challenges, climate change, and increased water demands.
Navajo County's water resources are pivotal to its economy, supporting crucial sectors like agriculture and tourism that are vital for both municipal and rural populations. The management of water resources is complicated by a range of legal issues, including unresolved Tribal water rights and other legal challenges affecting non-Tribal entities, which shape water allocation and long-term planning. The factsheet underscores the importance of collaboration and educational outreach in the development of sustainable water management initiatives aimed at promoting water conservation and enhancing watershed stewardship. Explore the Navajo County Water Factsheet linked below to learn more.
Navajo County Factsheet
AZ Water Factsheet Series
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WRRC Water Webinar: Irrigation Efficiency Program: State Funded On-Farm Water Savings in Arizona
Date: Thursday, Jun 27, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm Arizona Time
Location: Webinar Only
Speakers:
Ethan Orr, Assoc Director, Agriculture, Natural Resources & Economic Development, UArizona Cooperative Extension
Robert Masson, Asst Ag Extension Agent, UArizona Yuma County Cooperative Extension
In this WRRC webinar, Cooperative Extension agricultural experts Ethan Orr and Robert Masson will discuss how the Water Irrigation Efficiency Program is designed to increase irrigation water application efficiency in crop production by 20% or more and provide info on how approved grantees will receive reimbursement toward the purchase and installation of a system from an approved vendor. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension manages the funding process, including reviewing proposals, funding disbursement, and grant management. Over $2 million has been invested in cutting-edge irrigation and soil research. Those awarded will be required to report their data to further Cooperative Extension’s research efforts related to water efficiency, crop production, and impact on a variety of factors, such as crop yield, soil health, disease, and pest pressure. Designed to conserve our most precious resource—water—the program has already conserved 36,418 acre-feet, which is more water than 400,000 Tucson residents use on an annual basis.
Register Here
More Info
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WRRC Water Webinar: Post-2026 Colorado River Operational Guidelines: An Overview of the Lower Basin's Alternative
Date: Wednesday, Jul 17, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm Arizona Time
Location: Webinar Only
Speakers:
Kristen Johnson, Colorado River Programs Manager, ADWR
Vineetha Kartha, Colorado River Programs Manager, CAP
In response to the Bureau of Reclamation's Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a new set of operating guidelines for the Colorado River following the expiration of the current 2007 Interim Guidelines, Drought Contingency Plan, and other related agreements, the Lower Basin states of Arizona, California, and Nevada submitted an alternative for analysis on March 6, 2024. In this WRRC webinar, the Colorado River Programs Managers for the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and the Central Arizona Project (CAP) will provide an overview of the goals and parameters of that alternative and the paradigm shifts in thinking captured in the new proposal.
Register Here
More Info
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Arizona Water Law Conference: In the Eye of the Storm
Date: Aug 8–9, 2024
Location: Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas
6333 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
For over thirty years, CLE International's Arizona Water Law Conference has brought its attendees varying points of view on the critical issues facing Arizona and the West. With fresh conflicts brewing and new information continually surfacing, attendees will engage with speakers and colleagues, participate in discussions, and broaden their knowledge. Don't miss hearing from experts on important topics such as federal reserved rights, groundwater, development concerns and solutions, water quality, and much more. Participants can Earn up to 13 Hours of MCLE Credit, Including One Hour of Ethics, or up to 13 Hours of Engineering Credit.
Register Here
More Info
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OECD Releases “Handbook of What Works” for Water Governance
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), consisting of 38 member countries, provides a forum for governments to work together to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges of globalization. At the recent 10th World Water Forum, the OECD announced the release of “A Handbook of What Works: Solutions for the Local Implementation of the OECD Principles on Water Governance.” This handbook is a product of OECD’s Water Governance Initiative (WGI) and aims to support the implementation of OECD’s Principles on Water Governance by illustrating and analyzing examples of successful water governance systems, identifying common pitfalls, and making note of lessons learned. WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal has been part of the WGI since its inception, and contributed Case Study #9 to the handbook, on transboundary agreements pertaining to environmental flows to the Colorado River Delta region. The handbook is available as a downloadable PDF.
Handbook PDF
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WIFA Conservation Grants Awarded
in May
As of May 17, 2024, all funds available for awards from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) Conservation Grant Fund have been allocated. This fund was created in 2022 by the Arizona Legislature for projects that conserve water throughout the state. Eligible projects include water education, community incentives for rainwater harvesting, installation of drought resistant landscape, and programs that promote groundwater recharge, among many others. Out of 273 applications from across the state, 189 received a combined total of approximately $200 million, with at least one funded project in each county.
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The Buzz Interviews Experts on Arizona Economy & Water
Arizona Public Media’s The Buzz podcast interviewed Eller Economic and Business Research Center (EBRC) Director George Hammond and WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal after they spoke at the ERBC “Breakfast With the Economists” on June 5. The event offered analysis and insights on what to expect for the state economy and Arizona water resources in the future. Hammond spoke to economic conditions in Arizona, saying that while the cost of living has increased, the future is looking pretty good. Megdal addressed Arizona’s water issues, making note of “wicked problems” such as the imbalance of supply and demand for Colorado River water, but stating that she is optimistic about the state’s ability to deal with these issues. The full interview is available to listen to on the AZPM website.
The Buzz Interview
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WATER JOBS & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES | |
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Please visit WRRC's website for a complete listing of water jobs and opportunities.
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NOTICES, PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA | |
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Navajo Aquifer
The US Geological Survey published its Annual Report on water levels and water quality in the Navajo aquifer in northeastern Arizona.
PBS Features CALES Scientists in New "Hope in the Water" Series
The new PBS show Hope in the Water is a three-part documentary that explores the groundbreaking work of dedicated fishers, aqua farmers, and scientists attempting what was once thought impossible: harvesting aquatic species to feed our growing planet while saving our oceans. Episode 2, “Sustainable Aquaculture,” will air June 26. More Info
New Report: Bridging the Gap: The Power of Investment in Water
This report, a collaboration of the Value of Water Campaign, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and EBP, examines two scenarios surrounding the economic impacts of federal investment in water over the next 10 and 20 years — underscoring the need for water infrastructure investments to sustain public health, quality of life, economic prosperity, and environmental integrity across the nation. Read the Report
Interactive Map of PFAS Contamination Across the US
An interactive map from the Environmental Working Group tracks PFAS contamination in drinking water systems nationwide, and the latest data indicates that nearly every state is struggling with PFAS levels above the Environmental Protection Agency's new limits for drinking water to some degree. PFAS contamination appears widespread in the Carolinas, Alabama, Ohio, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, and some parts of Colorado. View the Map
Western Water Article: New Scientific Strategy Helps Make Case for Holistic Management of California Rivers Read the Article
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