Homeowners Associations – An Overlooked Water Sustainability Opportunity in the Desert June 12, 2023 Since 2015, the Agua Dulce HOA has supported common-area water conservation and green stormwater infrastructure, saving 4.6M gallons of water and $19K in the process. To share the HOA's strategies for success, the Water Resources Research Center earlier this month hosted University of Arizona alumnus Hans Huth, the Agua Dulce Home Owners Associate Water Harvesting Chair and Volunteer. Read more Image
Faculty Feature: Dr. Corrie Hannah June 9, 2023 Dr. Corrie Hannah, a research scientist at the University of Arizona’s Arizona Institute for Resilience, is committed to finding solutions to social and environmental challenges prevalent in marginalized communities with limited resources. Her research has taken her around the world, but its her work here in Tucson that could have an even broader reach. In addition to exploring disaster risk reduction and humanitarian aid, she is also expanding the resources available to historically underfunded scholars tackling climate adaptation research throughout Africa. Read more Image
Ponderosa forests struggle in the face of Southwest megadrought June 7, 2023 The ponderosa pine is one of the most ubiquitous conifer species in western North America. In the American Southwest, winter snowmelt and summer rains play a critical role in ponderosa forests' survival, but the 23-year megadrought may have these semi-arid trees at the end of their rope, according to new research by UArizona scientists. Read more Image
EPA awards UArizona $10M for new environmental justice center June 7, 2023 The Western Environmental Science Technical Assistance Center for Environmental Justice will help communities achieve environmental and energy justice by serving as a one-stop shop for assistance, training and support. Read more Image
Take a trip under the sea at new, interactive Flandrau exhibit May 30, 2023 Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium's newest exhibit, "Undersea Discovery," takes visitors on a journey from the ocean shore to its rarely seen depths, providing a look at the colorful animals and plants that make up the vast waters of the world. Read more Image
Colorado River states bought time with a 3-year water conservation deal – now they need to think bigger May 26, 2023 Arizona, California, and Nevada have reached an agreement to address the looming water crisis in the region by reducing their use of Colorado River water. This temporary solution marks a significant victory for the western states, which rely on the river for irrigation and drinking water. Read more Image
Three states agree to reduce water usage so the Colorado River doesn’t go dry May 25, 2023 A new plan would conserve at least 3 million acre-feet of water by 2026 in an effort to ensure the crucial waterway continues to generate power and provide drinking water. Read more Image
Colorado River deal offers chance for big picture planning May 24, 2023 This week's deal on how to share the Colorado River's water relies heavily on cuts to the agricultural sector, which is responsible for 80% of the region's water use. "Water is a valuable asset, and I think people are nervous about parting with it, because it kind of suggests that you don’t really need it after all," said University of Arizona extension specialist George Frisvold, earlier this week. "I think there's real concern that this is voluntary now, but it could come back and bite you." Read more at UArizona News
The Colorado River water rights deal is a stopgap. What’s next? May 23, 2023 This week — after months of tense negotiations and a couple of blown deadlines — Arizona, California, and Nevada agreed to massively cut their use of Colorado River water for agriculture in order to sustain cities. However, that deal will face renegotiation in 2026 and those talks could look a lot different from the Colorado River Compact negotiations of 100 years ago, with Tribal nations playing a more meaningful role. "What I think is important is that we create political arenas where tribes have equal voice with states," said said Andrew Curley an assistant professor of geography and development and American Indian studies at the University of Arizona. "My only fear is — and I think this is the fear of many tribal leaders — is that there’s going to be less water to negotiate with." Read more at UArizona News
Three states agree to reduce water usage so the Colorado river doesn't go dry May 22, 2023 The Biden administration has temporarily resolved a dire water crisis – with help from a wet winter. A new plan would conserve at least 3 million acre-feet of water by 2026 in an effort to ensure the crucial waterway continues to generate power and provide drinking water. Once analyzed and officially approved by the Bureau of Reclamation, which operates the dams on Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the new agreement would be in place through 2026. "This is a big deal," said Robert Glennon, a professor emeritus at the University of Arizona who specializes in water law and policy. He added the problems states faced were "truly historic and potentially catastrophic if either Lake Powell or Lake Mead hit dead pool." Read more at UArizona News