Almost 50 miles of the Upper Verde River and portions of Sycamore Creek west of Sedona have been granted the highest level of water protections by state regulators.
The Governor’s Regulatory Review Council approved the Tier 3 water Outstanding Arizona Waters status Tuesday.
That level prohibits pollutants from degrading the water quality and preserves wildlife habitats, threatened species and recreational resources.
The Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club nominated the waterways in 2023. The environmental organization says the area covers a diverse habitat corridor, three national forests and a wildlife preserve.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality says it will finish final state level rulemaking before submitting to the EPA for federal approval.
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On Sept. 8, KJZZ water reporter Alex Hager presented your questions and concerns to a panel of experts.
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This upcoming weekend is shaping up to be a wet one in parts of Arizona.
