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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: Colorado River, AWRA, Nogales Pipeline, Santa Cruz River, Value of Water, AZ Water Professionals Appreciation Week | | |
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Multiple Plans Proposed for Post-2026
Colorado River Operations
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As the Bureau of Reclamation looks to prepare new rules for the Colorado River, states across the West and other interested stakeholders have proposed plans for the river’s future. These alternative plans aim to shape the operation of the Colorado River after many of the current rules expire in 2026.
In April, a coalition of conservation groups including Audubon, Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and others submitted a plan for managing the Colorado River. Known as the Cooperative Conservation Alternative, the proposal seeks to broaden management efforts on the Colorado River to be more inclusive of various interests, Tribes, and the environment. Its top priorities include stabilizing water storage and avoiding crisis-to-crisis management, making mitigation and environmental stewardship part of future operations, and creating a Conservation Reserve, which would replace an existing conservation program known as Intentionally Created Surplus.
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Law of the Colorado River Annual Conference: Planning for Post-2026 Operations in a Drought-Stressed Basin
Dates: May 6–7, 2024
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown
1420 Stout St, Denver, CO 80202
Hear all points of view from the Upper and Lower Basins on critical issues along the Colorado River as the guidelines near expiration. Participants can Earn up to 12 Hours of MCLE Credit, Including One Hour of Ethics, or up to 12 Hours of Engineering Credit.
Register Here
More Info
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NVIS Spring 2024 Seminar: ʔEleltek Waaliʔ (I'm Reading Country) – Co-sponsored by the WRRC
Date: May 7, 2024
Time: 12:00–1:00 pm Arizona Time
Location: Zoom
Speaker: Don Hankins, Professor of Geography and Planning, California State University, Chico
Dr. Don Hankins combines his academic and cultural interests through applied research of Indigenous stewardship practices as a keystone process to aid in the conservation and management of resources. He is currently engaged in fire and water research involving Indigenous communities in California and Australia. Hankins has been involved in various aspects of land management and conservation for a variety of organizations and agencies including federal and Tribal governments.
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WRRC Water Webinar: Addressing Transboundary Water Issues in the AZ–Sonora Border Region: The Arizona Perspective
Date: May 9, 2024
Time: 12:00–1:15 pm Arizona Time
Location: Webinar Only
Speakers:
Joaquin Marruffo, Environmental Justice Coordinator, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Claudia Gil Anaya, Environmental Science Specialist, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
The water dynamics in the Arizona-Sonora border region are complex and challenging. The environmental conditions of this region, as well as the socio-economic and political asymmetries of both countries, often result in serious water quality issues for the communities on both sides of the border, while also affecting public health at large. The accelerated growth undergone by the Sonora border communities, in addition to the limited resources of these communities to respond to such a pattern, often results in environmental and human health impacts on both sides. Despite the uniqueness of this border region, it also allows for effective binational cooperation opportunities and strategic planning through existing solid collaboration platforms such as the Arizona-Mexico Commission and the US EPA-Border 2025 Program, as well as the existence of binational entities such as the North American Development Bank and the International Boundary and Water Commission. The mission of the Border Programs Unit at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is to protect public health and the environment in Arizona border communities via collaboration with entities on both sides of the border to achieve tangible, on-the-ground improvements to environmental quality. This WRRC Water Webinar will address how the team works to develop, nurture, and strengthen working relationships with stakeholders to effectively resolve transboundary environmental issues.
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WRRC Graduate Research Associate Presents at AWRA Spring Conference
WRRC Graduate Research Associate Simone Williams presented at the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) 2024 Spring Conference, themed "Water Risk and Resilience: Research and Sustainable Solutions," held on April 8–10 in Tuscaloosa, AL. Williams’ oral presentation focused on "Modeling the Impact of Agricultural Land Management on Groundwater in Pinal AMA, Arizona." This project is part of research to ensure the long-term food and nutritional security of the US, enabled by a 5-year USDA-NIFA grant. The research involves interdisciplinary researchers, Extension specialists, and graduate students at four universities, along with the USDA, who are examining ways to sustain irrigated agriculture in the Southwest. Williams’ presentation generated significant interest among attendees, leading to lively discussions and questions. The conference provided valuable information on the latest research in water resources and networking opportunities with others working on water risk and resilience issues.
AWRA 2024 Spring Conference
USDA-NIFA Project
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IBWC Taking Ownership of Nogales
IOI Pipeline
On April 10, the City Council of Nogales, Arizona approved transferring ownership of the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI) to the US Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC). The transfer should relieve Nogales, Arizona of the financial burden of the IOI’s maintenance. The USIBWC is awaiting $12.5 million in congressional appropriation for the operation of the pipeline. The IOI is an aging pipeline, constructed in 1971 to bring wastewater from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, and Nogales, Arizona to the Nogales International Water Treatment Plant (NIWTP), about ten miles north of the border. The treated wastewater from this plant adds water to the Santa Cruz River basin, including supporting riparian ecosystems for migratory birds on the river, and ranching and farming irrigation supplies in the region. However, the safety of the pipeline has troubled the community for years. A pipeline assessment from 2005 by the City of Nogales found that the conditions of the IOI were deteriorating. Storm events have caused breaks in the pipeline in the past, and pipeline breaks threaten well users and property as sewage enters the environment. The new single-entity ownership is expected to improve the efficiency of pipeline maintenance.
Press Release
Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant
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Santa Cruz River Listed in 2024 Endangered Rivers Report
This week, American Rivers announced the inclusion of the Santa Cruz River in its annual list of America's Most Endangered Rivers. This report spotlights rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions made in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Other rivers in the region have previously been listed as endangered, including the San Pedro River (2022). The Colorado River has made the list six times in the past 20 years alone. The Santa Cruz River has provided life-sustaining water to humans for more than 12,000 years. Once a desert oasis, the Santa Cruz was dried up and polluted for decades and is only recently coming back to life. While great efforts have been made, the river’s recovery remains tenuous. Climate change and water scarcity threaten progress, and rollbacks to federal clean water protections could add new challenges. Wastewater facilities now provide the Santa Cruz River with approximately 35 miles of perennial flows, resulting in improved water quality and the return of native species to the river. The greatest challenge to the river today is to avoid backsliding on the progress made. American Rivers, in partnership with the Sonoran Institute and The Wilderness Society, has called on the US Fish and Wildlife Service to establish a Santa Cruz River Urban National Wildlife Refuge to celebrate the river’s diverse and rich cultural heritage, honor the revitalized river, increase access to nature, and protect this crucial greenspace.
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Poll Reveals Americans’ Water Priorities
The US Water Alliance recently released the results of its 2024 Value of Water Index Campaign. The annual poll examined American voters’ views on the nation’s water infrastructure and what they consider to be priorities for water-related action. This year, the poll revealed that Americans’ assessment of the nation’s water infrastructure reached a new low. Only 34% of voters rated it as “good,” whereas 46% rated the current condition as “bad.” The poll also found strong support for continued federal investment in water infrastructure after the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law sunsets. Sixty-five percent of voters said they would support this continued investment, while 20% were opposed. Another issue highlighted by the poll was rising concern about water affordability. Over the past six years, the percentage of voters who have found their water service unaffordable has more than doubled, reaching 30% in 2024. The poll also found growing support for a permanent federal program to assist low-income customers pay their water bills and avoid shutoffs. Despite some affordability concerns, 61% of voters said they would pay $50 more annually on their water bills if it helped fund local utility projects that improve water accessibility and community health.
2024 Value of Water Index
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Next Week Is Arizona Water Professionals Appreciation Week
The sixth annual Arizona Water Professionals Appreciation Week runs April 22–26, 2024, and aligns with AZ Water Association's 97th Annual Conference and Exhibition, which will be held April 23–25 in Phoenix, AZ. Additionally, an official proclamation recognizing water professionals and the state’s leadership role in the water industry will be read on the Arizona State Senate floor on Monday, April 22. Aiming to honor those dedicated to ensuring clean water supplies and sustainable management of Arizona’s water resources, this special week also helps to raise awareness of the many water-focused career paths, ranging from engineering to economics, as the industry grows and the workforce ages. Supporters of this initiative include municipal water providers, state agencies, consulting firms, and the WRRC among many others. Throughout the week, the AZ Water Association encourages you to honor water professionals and promote careers in Arizona’s water industry.
More Info
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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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From the WRRC
WRRC Invites Research Proposals for 104(g) Program — Deadline Extended!
Faculty and research personnel at any of Arizona's three public universities are invited to submit research proposals to the WRRC for competitive federal 104(g) grants of up to $310,000. Grant funds are provided by the Water Resources Research Act through the US Geological Survey (USGS). For more information, visit the web page below or email Jessie Hampton (jessiehampton@arizona.edu).
104(g) Grant Info Proposal EXTENDED Deadline: May 3, 2024
Invitation to Participate in Cooperative Extension Listening Sessions
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension needs your help! Extension is seeking public input to help guide future work throughout the state. Eight listening sessions will be held across the state, with food provided. Dates and locations are listed on the Extension website, with several coming up in April. Six sessions will be open to the public and two are reserved for UArizona campus collaborators. These are regional events, and we hope that you will attend to share your thoughts and hear the perspectives of others. More Info
Other Sources
Call for Contributions for National Sustainability Society Conference
The National Sustainability Society will host a national conference to bring together academics, students, and practitioners within the field of sustainability. This first national conference will showcase work that advances innovation, closes the implementation gap, and supports workforce development at all levels. The abstract submission deadline is April 20. More Info
ADWR Informal Public Meeting: Proposed Rulemaking for Alternative Path to Designation of 100-year Assured Water Supply
The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) will hold a series of informal public meetings to present information and accept comments on a proposed rulemaking for an Alternative Path to Designation of a 100-year Assured Water Supply. The first meeting will be held on April 22, both in person and virtually. More Info
Watereuse Arizona 2024 Scholarship
WateReuse Arizona will award two scholarships of $3,000 each to Arizona university and college students. The purpose of this award is to encourage full-time students with a focus on wastewater reclamation, water reuse, and/or desalination. The scholarships will be awarded at the 2024 Arizona Water Reuse Symposium in Flagstaff, Arizona. Scholarship applications are due June 5, 2024. More Info
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