Water Woes XLVI CR Talks Stalled-Recharge-Turf Removal
- Mark L. Johnson
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
Colorado River Talks Stalled-Post 2026 Operational Guidelines
In May, the Lower Basin States (Arizona, California & Nevada) submitted a bridge proposal that will support the entire Colorado River system through 2028. This comprehensive package commits a minimum of 3.2 million acre-feet of Lower Basin States water savings in Lake Mead by 2028.
The Upper Basin States (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming) have suggested that mediation take place.
Since these two proposals were put forth, there have been crickets.
Arizona Tri-University Recharge and Water Reliability Project Report
University of Arizona (U of A), Arizona State University (ASU), and Northern Arizona University (NAU) scientists have collaborated and produced a report entitled Arizona Tri-University Recharge and Water Reliability Project Report. The report discusses water management methods in Arizona and, in particular, groundwater recharge. The entire report is available at the link below, but here are some key observations:
95% of Arizona's annual precipitation is lost to evapotranspiration (ET). See Smart Irrigation To Save Water for the ET definition.
Natural groundwater recharge is only 3% of the annual precipitation. Thus the need for importing Colorado River Water for groundwater recharge.
There is strong evidence that extreme events, including heat waves, drought, floods, and wildfires, will increase in intensity over time.
There are opportunities to collect and recharge stormwater, but will it be cost-beneficial, considering the limited groundwater recharge potential?
Turf Removal To Conserve Water
The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (ANWUA) has produced a great flyer encouraging turf removal to conserve water. The flyer has a great chart that demonstrates turf removal can save 50% of outdoor water use.
Tucson Water (TW) will be accepting applications for turf removal rebates beginning this month (July). TW is offering a rebate of $2.50/square-foot up to $30,000/project. TW indicates that up to 70% of outdoor water use can be saved.
It is just a matter of time before the removal of non-recreational turf will become mandatory in Arizona because of the dire water supply situation and the considerable water savings it yields.