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IN THIS ISSUE: New TAAP Position, 104(g), Seminar Recap, Factsheet, TAAP Meeting, Presidential Advisory Commission | |
WRRC Seeks TAAP Research Analyst | |
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The WRRC is currently hiring for the position of Research Analyst for its Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP). This newly created position will involve project research focused on investigating the socio-economic dimensions of transboundary aquifers in the US and Mexico and the impact of contrasting modes of governance in shared groundwater resources, writing journal articles and reports, giving presentations, and identifying opportunities for collaboration and organizing meetings with partners in the US and Mexico. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional level experience, fluency in Spanish, basic knowledge of geographical information systems (GIS), and a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, including interacting with government agencies and officials and conducting survey research. Preferred qualifications include a master’s or PhD in a water resources field, experience with conducting research related to groundwater in arid regions or water governance and management in the US and Mexico, and knowledge related to TAAP. This position will work with TAAP PI Sharon B. Megdal, who serves as WRRC director and is a professor in the UArizona Department of Environmental Science, other TAAP team members, and project collaborators from various universities and agencies in the US and Mexico. The position is available immediately for two years, with third-year funding dependent on successful progress.
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WRRC Seminar Series: Water in Cochise County: Challenges and Solutions
Date: Thursday, March 16, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm Arizona Time
Location: Webinar Only
Speakers:
Mark Apel, Environmental Projects Coordinator, Cochise County Engineering and Natural Resources
Mary Ann Capehart, UA Water Wise Program, Retired
Taylor Simmon, WRRC Outreach Assistant & MS EHS student
Water scarcity challenges in Cochise County have spurred various water management solutions and collaborative efforts over time. In 2022, the WRRC partnered with Cochise County Cooperative Extension to develop a Water Factsheet that helped to distill major challenges and solutions, as well as lay out the basics of water supplies and demands. We are excited to follow up and partner with presentations from the local experts to share the expanded stories of Cochise County water. This WRRC Seminar Series presentation will begin with a discussion about the historic election that was held on November 8, 2022, on whether to designate the Douglas Groundwater Basin as an Active Management Area (AMA), yielding the first citizen-initiated AMA designated on December 1, 2022. Digging into some of the factors that led to the new Douglas AMA, including high rates of land subsidence, there are many unknowns about the future of the AMA to be determined by ADWR with input from local stakeholders. The second story will focus on exemplary and longstanding water management efforts within the county, specifically the Cochise Conservation and Recharge Network (CCRN). This collaborative partnership was established to implement tangible water management projects that will increase water availability to meet current and future water demands in the region. Local and federal partners have joined forces to develop innovative projects for a resilient water supply for both people and nature along the San Pedro River. These projects are designed to work together to help sustain San Pedro River flows and the groundwater on which our local communities and the river depend.
Register Here
More Info
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Section 104(g) Grant Proposals Now Due March 29
The WRRC has extended the deadline for the FY 2023 Water Resources Research Act, Section 104(g) National Competitive Grants Program to March 29. Funded by the USGS, the Section 104(g) program has two funding opportunities: 104(g) General and PFAS, each with its own research priorities and RFP. The FY2023 RFPs have been published and include updated priorities. This year, the 104(g) General program priorities are: national-scale evaluations of water budgets and integrating ongoing USGS research and data collection to assess socioeconomic and ecological vulnerabilities. The PFAS program’s priorities are focused on media-specific methods, atmospheric sources, and processes oriented at the molecular level. Any investigator at an institution of higher learning in the United States is eligible to apply for a grant through a Water Research Institute or Center established under the Water Resources Research Act of 1984. The WRRC is the designated Water Resources Research Institute for Arizona. Proposals may be for projects of 1 to 3 years in duration and may request up to $310,000 (104(g) General) or $279,000 (PFAS) in federal funds with a 1:1 non-federal match. Submitting complete proposals to the WRRC is the first step in the process of applying for 104(g) program grants. Proposals must be submitted by email to Program Manager Michael Seronde (seronde@arizona.edu) prior to 5:00 PM MST, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Visit our website for program information and application guidance.
Image: Joe Trevino, Watson Lake Dam, WRRC 2022 Photo Contest
More Info
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WRRC Hosts Webinar on Clean Water for Tribal Communities
On February 22, Anne Castle and Heather Tanana gave a joint presentation titled “Universal Access to Clean Water for Tribal Communities.” Anne Castle, JD, is a senior fellow at the Gretchen-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources at the University of Colorado Law School and is currently the US Commissioner for the Upper Colorado River Commission, appointed by President Biden. Heather Tanana, JD, is a member of the Navajo Nation and Assistant Professor and Wallace Stegner Center Fellow at the SJ Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. Tanana began the presentation by giving an overview of how Federal Indian policies have caused generations of tribal members to live without access to clean water. As a result, the Colorado River Water & Tribes Initiative and the Universal Clean Water Access Initiative were developed in partnership with the 30 federally recognized Tribes along the Colorado River. The initiatives released a comprehensive report highlighting the disparities faced by Tribes through education, support, and solutions. At the end of their presentation, Castle and Tanana stated they would continue to push legislation to fund and support access to clean water on Tribal lands.
Image: Manu Schwendener, unsplash.com
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New Release! Updated Version of the Cochise County Factsheet
Soon after the WRRC released the Cochise County Factsheet in fall of 2022, history was made when the first citizen-initiated Active Management Area (AMA) — the Douglas AMA — was approved and designated on December 1, 2022. As a result, we have released an updated version of the Cochise County Factsheet, which includes revised maps and content reflecting the recent change. Additionally, on March 16, the WRRC will host a seminar with Cochise County water experts to expand on the factsheet content and share their Cochise County water stories. The webinar will cover the factors that led to the Douglas AMA formation, the future of the AMA designation as determined by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, and the collaborative water management projects initiated by Cochise County Conservation and Recharge Network, designed to sustain San Pedro River flows and the groundwater on which local communities and the river depend.
Updated Cochise County Factsheet
Seminar Series Webinar
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The Arizona-Sonora TAAP Team Meets at Quitobaquito Springs
The last weekend of February was full of adventure for the Arizona-Sonora Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP) team that met at Quitobaquito Springs. Located within the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona, Quitobaquito Springs and its surroundings provide critical resources in this arid bioregion that has sustained numerous people and cultures through time, including the Hia C-ed O'odham and the Tohono O'odham. It is also the home of the endangered Sonoyta pupfish and Sonoran mud turtle. Flow rates at Quitobaquito Springs have significantly decreased over recent decades, raising concerns regarding the sustainability of the freshwater resource. The goal of this collaboration, funded by the National Park Service and the TAAP, is to improve the hydrogeologic understanding of the source of Quitobaquito Springs. Team members that met at Quitobaquito included James Callegary and Libby Wildermuth (USGS), Christopher Eastoe (University of Arizona), Alfredo Ochoa and Hector Noriega (Universidad de Sonora in Mexico), and Elia Tapia (Universidad de Sonora-WRRC). Team members engaged in hydrogeologic mapping activities and sediment sampling to provide the National Park Service with valuable information to protect and preserve the area. Team members will continue to work within the region during 2023.
Image: Hector A. Noriega Ruiz. Alfredo Ochoa and James Callegary at Quibaquito Springs
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UArizona Faculty Visit Yuma Farm
Last week, three faculty members of the UArizona Presidential Advisory Commission on the Future of Agriculture and Food Production in a Drying Climate visited Robert Nickerson Farms Inc. in Yuma, AZ. Owner Rob Nickerson gave the special Commission members a private tour of his farm’s expansive vegetable-growing operations and explained his growing practices. WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal, assistant professor and environmental microbiologist in the Department of Environmental Science Luisa Ikner, and assistant professor in the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences Laura Condon were invited to a listening session to hear from people in the Yuma area and were also offered the opportunity to visit the farm. Yuma County is known as the “winter salad bowl,” and produces nearly all the leafy greens in the US during winter months. Nickerson Farms is in the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation & Drainage District.
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WRRC Student Communications and Outreach Assistant (Hourly)
The UArizona Water Resources Research Center is seeking a student employee with interest and experience in writing about water and/or environmental topics to assist with outreach communication. Applicants are encouraged to visit the WRRC website for more information on WRRC programs and activities. Accepting applications until the position is filled. More Info
Please visit WRRC's website for a complete listing of water jobs & opportunities.
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New UArizona Southwest Center Report
Toward Water-Resilient Agriculture In Arizona: Future Scenarios Addressing Water Scarcity In The Lower Colorado River Basin View PDF
New UArizona Cooperative Extension Publications
Passive Water Harvesting View PDF
Enterprise Budgets: Fallow, Southern Arizona View PDF
Enterprise Budgets: Alfalfa Hay Production, Flood Irrigated, Southern Arizona View PDF
Ecosystem Services Partnership Webinar
Incorporating Ecosystem Services into Water Resource Management – Tools, Policies, and Promising Pathways View the Recording
CAP Current Colorado River Conditions Dashboard
More Info
Climate Adaptation Conservation Planning Database
More Info
Free Issue of Water Resources IMPACT Magazine
As the American West responds to a 20-year megadrought, this first issue of a Water Resources IMPACT two-part series diagnoses water scarcity issues confronting the western US and explains how these impact a variety of ecological, community, and economic sectors. The second of the series, to be released as the March-April issue, moves from diagnosis to prescription. In that issue, authors will consider options for addressing water scarcity and its complex ramifications. Read the Full Digital Issue.
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UCOWR/NIWR Conference – Student Travel Awards
The National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWR) is sponsoring travel awards for students to attend the 2023 UCOWR/NIWR Annual Water Resources Conference, which will be held at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, June 13-June 15, 2023. One award will be given to a student from each NIWR region, selected at random. Arizona is part of the Powell Consortium Region, which also includes California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. UCOWR, the Universities Council on Water Resources, is a consortium of academic institutions and affiliates invested in water resources research, education, and outreach. The WRRC is a member of NIWR and the University of Arizona is a member of UCOWR. The 2023 Conference will feature discussions of critical water issues, seeking to develop new and innovative collaborations and transdisciplinary solutions.
Interested graduate students may apply to be entered into the award drawing using the form linked below. Students must be currently enrolled at an institution of higher education (this includes community colleges). One student per NIWR region will be selected at random. The award for the winning student from the Power Consortium Region will be $1,200 and will come as a direct payment stipend. The deadline to apply is Friday 3/17/23 at 4:00 pm EST. Those selected will be notified via email by April 1, 2023.
Public Notice: Public Water System Supervision Program Revision for the State of Arizona
On March 2, 2023, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the revised Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) Program under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) by adopting regulations to implement the federal Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR). Any interested party may request a public hearing from EPA on this determination. More Info
CLEAN International Worldwide Walk for Water
Make a move for water and log your miles! Worldwide people are working to log 10 million miles for clean water this March. You can walk, run, bike, row, paddle and more! Raise awareness and funds to help end the walk for families in need. More Info
Youth Innovation Challenge – Water Solutions for Sustainable Development
The 2023 Youth Innovation Challenge, hosted by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, invites North American youth, ages 18 to 30, to propose innovative solutions that address and respond to critical issues related to water. North American youth are invited to submit their solutions and compete for up to $15,000 per country in seed funding, a chance to present their solutions to North America’s top environmental officials, and access to mentorship and networking opportunities. The deadline to submit is April 3, 2023. More Info
Applications Open for Project CENTRL
Project CENTRL is a twelve-month, competitively selected and tuition-free leadership development program for 16 individuals connected to rural Arizona. Over the course of 9 seminars across Arizona, Washington, DC and Sonora, Mexico they build personal leadership skills, educate on the issues facing rural Arizona and connect leaders and experts. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 15, 2023. More Info
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