Arizona Water Conservation
“Implementation of “next generation” conservation and reuse is critical to achieving a secure and resilient water supply future for Arizona.”
– Linda Stitzer, Senior Water Policy Advisor
Arid Arizona is Growing and Water is Limited
Arizona is one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. with a population that will increase by another 5 million people by 2050. Water supplies are a limited resource in this arid state, and as the population grows and drought and climate change reduce water supplies, innovative approaches will help ensure communities, wildlife, industry and agriculture continue to thrive.
Water Conservation and Reuse Are Wise Strategies to Stretch Existing Water Supplies
Western Resource Advocates promotes urban water conservation and reuse in Arizona as a no-regrets strategy for ensuring sustainable water supplies — a strategy that is often cheaper, faster, and smarter than “traditional” water supply approaches that rely on obtaining more water from elsewhere. We provide examples through conservation case studies with program costs and water savings in our Case for Conservation factsheets. Because Arizona is first in line for possible water cuts caused by over-allocation of the Colorado River, it is even more important for Arizona communities to maximize water conservation and reuse efforts to stretch existing water supplies.
Next Generation Innovative Water Conservation Actions Create More Resilient Water Supplies
Western Resource Advocates supports the progress many Arizona communities have made through implementing conservation and reuse programs, many of which are noted in a report we wrote called Arizona Water Meter. These past water conservation efforts have resulted in impressive levels of water reuse, as well as reductions in individual and commercial water demand. However, to meet future demand, innovative or “next generation” conservation and reuse efforts are needed.
Western Resource Advocates believes that by implementing innovative water conservation actions we can secure a resilient water supply future. Some of these actions are:
- integrating land and water planning to produce water-smart new development, where new buildings and landscapes are designed to use less water;
- using captured stormwater and rainwater for irrigation and other uses;
- installing fully efficient outdoor irrigation, using less water to sustain desirable outdoor landscapes;
- reusing 100% of our wastewater (including recycled drinking water);
- setting strong conservation goals (such as using 40 gallons per person per day for indoor water use);
- providing detailed personal water use information so homeowners can make better water conservation decisions;
- increasing commercial and industrial water use efficiency;
- dedicating some conserved water to staying in rivers for recreation, fish and wildlife.
Arizona residents, farmers, businesses, and wildlife are all in this together. By committing to and emphasizing a suite of innovative water management tools, we can quickly, cheaply and effectively ensure Arizona continues to be resilient and thrive in the face of continued droughts, less water from over- allocation of the Colorado River, and climate change.
Water Conservation & Efficiency