Despite the drought affecting the west, Arizona has been able to use local technology to plan for future water use. Thanks to a new grant, other drought-stricken cities may be able to use the same technology.
Cities that draw from the Colorado River, like Phoenix, are planning for a future with less water. But Phoenix has an advantage with a facility that helps project future water allocation, and can now share it with other cities.
The Decision Center for a Desert City (DCDC) at Arizona State University has helped the state project future water outcomes from different variables like drought and climate change. Now, thanks to a $4.5 million National Science Foundation (NSF) award, the center can share their water simulation software with cities like Denver and Las Vegas.
“We’ve been focused on central Arizona and Phoenix over the last decade and we’ve developed strategies and solutions that have been useful for water management under climate adaptation here in this city, and we feel may be useful in other cities,” said Dave White, DCDC director.
This is the third NSF award made to the center, totaling $18 million.
