How can Western cities prepare for drought and a dwindling water supply?
A handful of mayors from cities such as Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Albuquerque are considering that question at a summit in Washington, D.C., this week.
From promoting conservation to restoring northern forests that feed the city’s supplies, Phoenix is tackling the water challenges of the Southwest in a variety of ways. But more can still be done, said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton.
“We can use the bully pulpit of the mayor’s office to push the state and federal government to adopt smart water policy," said Stanton. "This issue of the drought and the future of water in our communities is as important an economic issue as anything else we’re facing.”
While Phoenix has refrained from an over-regulatory approach, Stanton said he will be looking at how cities in California, for example, have adapted to the water crisis there.
In recent years, Phoenix has set up a multi-million dollar fund and partnered with Tucson to store up more unused water from the Colorado River.