Arizona is facing the challenge of future water demands outstripping supplies. Do we have enough water to sustain agricultural demands as our population grows, the Colorado River water supply-demand gap increases, and depletion threatens our groundwater aquifers? What are the specific challenges faced by irrigated agriculture in Arizona, and what advances have been made in agricultural technologies to address these challenges? 

The U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources is requesting proposals for the Water Resources Research National Competitive Grants Program, FY 2017 (104g) matching grants to support research on improving and enhancing the nation's water supply. 

WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal and Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy Director Robert Varady participated in the Budapest Water Summit, which was held November 28-30, 2016 in Budapest, Hungary.

During 2017, the Water Resources Research Center will work tirelessly to bring trusted water information to Arizona stakeholders and to share Arizona's water story with others. We will connect water consumers with natural restoration actions through Conserve2Enhance. We will bring the world of water to K-12 students through Arizona Project WET. We will train students and instill a passion for Arizona's water sustainability. And through our Water RAPIDS program, we will engage and help Arizona communities as they face extremely difficult water resource decisions.

Copper King's Water Academy students wanted to engage 4th and 5th graders in learning water concepts. These 7th and 8th grade students learned how difficult it is to balance inquiry, exploration, and discovery with structure and discipline when teaching.

Kerry Schwartz has built water stewardship in Arizona through the development and delivery of STEM instruction as the Director of Arizona Project WET. Now, she has the opportunity to lead other experts in water education on an international level.

This year the WRRC is trying something new by focusing its 104b grants program on student research projects. The program, authorized under the Water Resources Research Act, Section 104(b) and funded through the U.S. Geological Survey, provides small grants for research that explores new ideas to address water problems in Arizona and expands understanding of water and related phenomena. 

This fall groundwater is getting a surge of overdue attention from scientists and water professionals, who aim to raise awareness of this “invisible” resource. The Water Resources Research Center’s director, Sharon B. Megdal, has been involved in two separate but related activities aimed at promoting understanding and protection of groundwater.

Photographers of all skill levels, are encouraged to use their imaginations to capture the theme of "Growing with Water". Submissions can be in either urban or rural Arizona settings... flowers to farms, backyard and community gardens to vast agricultural fields, urban landscapes to mountain hideaways, it's up to you! Get creative with interesting photo perspectives, unique detail shots, fascinating vistas, and people in action.

Are you ready to imagine, design, and plant your water-smart landscaping? The UA Water Resources Research Center's new Desert Landscaping website has tools and tips to help.