Arizona Water Resource Volume 11 Number 4

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May - June 2003 Arizona Water Resource 11 W1 Steps to Take to Resolve Water Resource Challenges at Regional Level The Water Resources Research Center's May conference was deemed a success by those in attendance. The focus was on devel- oping and implementing solutions to water resource challenges at the regional level, rath- er than at a centralized (state) or local level. As reported elsewhere in this newsletter (See Vapors, page 3), several speakers offered their insight and guidance. Many important but simple messages were conveyed at the conference. Attendees were warned not to suffer from "paralysis of analysis "; some ac- tions can be taken while awaiting the data necessary for other deci- sions. We were told to get that elephant of litigation, which requires significant monetary resources and casts a cloud over decision mak- ing, out of the refrigerator. We were reminded to make sure all the issues are on the table. Several speakers acknowledged the problems associated with excluding individuals or groups because you don't want to hear what they might have to say. That there is no single "silver bullet" answer to most complex challenges was highlighted. While there is no simple or common solution to the multitude of problems and challenges, John Sullivan of Salt River Project provided a useful model for approaching resolution of local and regional water issues. He pointed to four state water success stories: the Groundwater Management Act; resolution of water claims with Indian Tribes; the Central Arizona Project; and the Arizona Water Banking Authority. He noted that each of them required the fol- lowing three steps: resolving claims to water; legislation at the state and /or federal level; and a method of financing. Sullivan noted that those addressing water challenges in rural Arizona should look to a similar model. He emphasized that there is a role for the state legislature to play. His message was for the lo- cal stakeholders to get behind the legislative establishment of the framework necessary to enable implementation of regionally gener- ated solutions. Conference speakers provided information about many re- gions of the state. Certain areas of the state are ripe for action. The Project Wet... continued from page 9 ronmental Quality — cities and towns have to write storm -water plans, and these plans must include an education program. This could provide WET another outreach opportunity. WET has an Arizona non -point source pollution curriculum, developed with an ADEQ grant. WET's use of the curriculum, however, has been handicapped by a lack of water quality funding. In another development, water education is an important theme in ADWR's Drought Task Force. Its charge includes de- veloping a statewide water conservation education strategy and provides for creation of a conservation education workgroup to activities of Fort Huachuca and concerns about San Pedro River flows have been central to the endeavors of the Upper San Pedro Partnership. Strong federal interest has assisted in identifying finan- cial resources necessary for studies, and there is active participation of diverse interests in identifying water resource problems and po- tential solutions. The Verde watershed is also a hotbed of activity. The beauty of the region coupled with rapid growth rightly has people con- cerned about balancing the needs of nature with the needs of peo- ple. Here, too, there is active participation of diverse interests, and progress is being made in acquiring and disseminating information. Yet, there is significant concern about the activity of new and exist- ing exempt wells in the Active Management Area portion of the watershed and the unregulated drilling in the non -AMA portions of the watershed. There the situation is even more complicated due to the importance of surface water and rights to that surface water. In the Flagstaff area, conservation is working to reduce water demand in absolute terms. The Gila watershed has learned that col- laboration is the key to address water quality as well as quality of life concerns. Limited economic resources are a problem, however. While many are averse to extending the regulatory reach of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, few argue about the benefits associated with predictable and sensible groundwater regu- lation. That growth in the AMAs must depend largely on renew- able water resources and 100 years of demonstrated physical water supply, for example, is generally acknowledged as being good for the regional economies. Elsewhere, on the other hand, absence of assured water supply requirements may mean less confidence about the sustainability associated with growth. The local and regional efforts discussed at the conference largely focused on the long -term. People are working in good faith. ADWR is actively facilitating the process of developing solutions, without determining the outcomes. Participants should keep in mind John Sullivan's simple model as they endeavor to develop and implement workable and timely solutions to their water resource challenges. Jr address water conservation. Schwartz says, "What we are doing is trying to look at what is needed in rural Arizona. Its water education needs are obvious- ly different than the cities. We think that Project WET can meet a lot of the needs in the rural areas." For more information about Arizona Project WET con- tact Kerry Schwartz (520- 792 - 9591, X22 or kschwart @ag.arizona.edu) or check the web site: http: // ag.arizona.edu /AZWATER /wet /. The National Project WET web site (http: / /www.projectwet.org /) displays WET activity guides and resources. (The July -Aug AWR will feature Arizona Project WET guides and resources.)