WRRC Conference Tackles Growing Gap Between Water Supply and Demand in Arizona

Feb. 25, 2013

TUCSON, Ariz. (Feb. 25, 2014) – How can Arizona ensure a safe, reliable water supply, now and in the future? The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) will host a conference on April 8 – “Closing the Gap Between Water Supply and Demand” – to explore our state’s options for meeting future water needs.

By 2060, water demand in Arizona may exceed renewable supplies by a margin that is estimated to grow to 1 million acre-feet. Now is the time for action. The WRRC Conference will tackle this issue and others that affect every Arizona resident, including water supply sustainability, conservation, reuse and recycling, policy options and more.

The conference, organized in partnership with the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), will feature presentations and viewpoints from renowned water experts, including keynote speakers Michael Lacey (Interim Director, ADWR) and Kay Brothers (Colorado River Basin Study Next Steps Working Group). Everyone with an interest in Arizona’s water future is encouraged to attend and join the discussion. 

Quick Facts:

  • Water demand in Basin States threatens to exceed supply. The Colorado River Basin Study recently found that water demand in Basin States is expected to exceed supply by some 3.2 million acre-feet by the year 2060 if no action is taken. Keynote speaker Kay Brothers will address the findings of the Study’s Next Steps Working Group, tasked with identifying possible solutions.
  • Innovative management can help ensure future water resources. Expert panelists will examine Arizona’s water management challenges, and discuss possible solutions.
  • All Arizona water stakeholders are affected. Proposed solutions to water challenges must consider the perspectives of a diverse array of stakeholders, including agriculture, tribes, municipalities, nature, industry and many others. These perspectives and others will be represented in the panel sessions at the WRRC conference.
  • ADWR’s Strategic Vision for Arizona Water Supply Sustainability. Opening keynote speaker Michael Lacey will address ADWR’s recently released Strategic Vision for securing future water supplies in Arizona.    
     
  • The WRRC Conference runs from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on April 8 at the UA Student Union Memorial Center. Online registration is open – early bird rates run through March 10. Explore the complete agenda and register at wrrc.cals.arizona.edu/conferences/2014.
  • The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center (WRRC), a unit within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, promotes understanding of critical state and regional water management and policy issues through research, education and outreach. For more information, visit us at wrrc.arizona.edu.

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