Arizona Runs on Water - Scarcity, Challenges, and Community-based Solutions

Arizona runs on water! A safe, secure, and reliable water supply is vital to our economy, well-being, and way of life. So, how will Arizona communities ensure that they have sufficient water to meet their needs, now and in the future? This is the critical question being addressed at the upcoming conference, Arizona Runs on Water: Scarcity, Challenges, and Community-based Solutions hosted by the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center.

Because one size does not fit all, speakers will showcase many different place-based approaches, including collaboration, conservation, market-based methods, long-term planning, and more. The conference is meant for everyone with an interest in how Arizona meets its water needs.

The day is designed to answer some key questions. What are common obstacles faced by communities or across water sectors? How do we build on past accomplishments to create durable progress? What changes in state laws and governing policies could be helpful? Panel discussions, a nationally known keynote speaker, and an Arizona Legislators Panel will be featured.

In the first panel, speakers will give a water tour of Arizona, an overview of Arizona water laws and regulations, and a Tribal perspective on water. Panelists from Cochise, Graham, Yuma, Mohave, and Yavapai counties, as well as the Gila River Indian Community, the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the Town of Payson, and the City of Flagstaff, will speak on local issues and actions. The Legislators Panel will include Senators Gail Griffin and Lisa Otondo, and Representatives Rosanna Gabaldón and House Speaker Russell (Rusty) Bowers. The agenda can be found here.

In conjunction with the conference, the WRRC has posted an online form for people to share additional examples of place-based water challenges and solutions. Anyone interested in sharing a case study can fill out the form here.  Some of these case study authors will have a chance to present their challenge/solution in a luncheon program of 3-minute “lightning talks.”  

The WRRC Conference will be held on Friday, February 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Black Canyon Conference Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Registration at a reduced early bird rate is only available until December 21, 2018. Online registration is open through January 25, 2019. On-site registration will be available for a $10 additional charge.

The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) is a unit within the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences. We tackle key water policy and management issues, empower informed decision-making, and enrich understanding through engagement, education, and applied research. For more information, visit us at wrrc.arizona.edu.