Watch the panel above or on the KJZZ YouTube page.
Arizona is one of seven states that share a dwindling supply of Colorado River water. And further cuts could be looming, despite a growing population and increasing demands. Through our ongoing Every Last Drop reporting project, KJZZ has been closely examining Arizona’s water supply and what’s being done to solidify a sustainable future.
KJZZ political correspondent Camryn Sanchez led a discussion with a panel of experts about some of the efforts throughout the state to stretch our water supply, and what more needs to happen to ensure Arizona’s long-term water security.
Ron Doba is the Coconino Plateau Watershed Partnership coordinator, representing water interests in the Flagstaff area. He says it’s important for the state to develop some way to manage rural groundwater usage.
"Because right now there is absolutely nothing. If you have land in rural Arizona, you can drill a well and you can pump as much water as you want to, out of that well. That’s just the way it is right now," Doba said.
Although industries use massive amounts of water, the panelists said personal efforts still matter. Lauren Hixson manages water resources for Gilbert.
"Even individuals in your own backyard, you can come up with your own water budget and really understand, how much water am I using for my pool, for my trees, for my cactus even?" Hixson asked.
Panelists
- Ron Doba – Coconino Plateau Watershed Partnership coordinator
- Lauren Hixson – Town of Gilbert Water Resources manager
- Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis – Gila River Indian Community
- Kim Schonek – Arizona Water Program director, The Nature Conservancy
This event is in partnership with
