Water resources in Arizona are under stress from climate change, a two-decade megadrought, and chronic overuse. These combined influences have led to surface water losses, drying streams and wetlands, and groundwater depletion as pumping exceeds replenishment. Communities are facing the possibility that the water sources they rely on now may shrink in the future, or even vanish. Uncertainty regarding Colorado River water — a large component of Arizona’s water portfolio and one that is shared with six other US basin states — also raises questions about Arizona’s water future. The quality of available water is a concern as well. Where supply is limited, lower quality water and wastewater can be valuable resources, but only if they can be treated to suitable standards. These concerns beg the question: What can be done?
That very question was the focus of the Water Resources Research Center's 2023 annual conference, “What Can We Do? Solutions to Arizona’s Water Challenges.” Panelists and presenters highlighted ongoing efforts to address the state’s water challenges, as well as new and innovative solutions currently under development. During the conference, several additional themes emerged, such as the need for better, more accessible data, improved technology, and collaboration. Read more