Phoenix will give the Nature Conservancy close to half a million dollars over three years to support flows and water quality in the Salt and Verde River watersheds.
The Nature Conservancy is part of the Salt and Verde Alliance, a group focused on protecting the rivers and getting users, like Phoenix, to support their efforts.
During last Wednesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Kate Gallego said 60% of the city’s water supply comes from the two rivers.
“Wildfires threaten these rivers with pollution and sedimentation. The Nature Conservancy and their volunteers clear brush and remove invasive species to promote forest health and to reduce wildfire risks,” she said. “This investment is part of our resiliency efforts and one where we are using nature-based infrastructure to help protect our water supplies.”
The Salt and Verde River watersheds, located in the eastern and north central parts of the state, encompass 13,000 square miles.
