AMWUA Blog
Our actions have an impact on preventing stormwater pollution
Any amount of precipitation is appreciated when you live in the desert. And when it does finally rain in Arizona, it often comes down quickly and causes flooding that sweeps over driveways and sidewalks, through streets, and parking lots. These forceful water flows can also carry pollutants such as trash, oil, pet waste, and pesticides into our storm drains, contaminating water that eventually flo...
Jan 17 2023
Collaboratively developing solutions for our water challenges must be a priority
As the new legislative session begins, Governor Hobbs has made water a priority. In her State of the State address, she boldly shined a spotlight on Arizona's water challenges and encouraged legislators and stakeholders to develop solutions. Acknowledging a problem is always the first step to resolving it. AMWUA supports the Governor's efforts to tackle water issues with transparency, knowledge, a...
Jan 10 2023
What you need to know about the Colorado River as we enter a Tier 2a Shortage
With the arrival of 2023 comes a Tier 2a Colorado River Shortage. Now that it is here, what does it mean, and how does it impact Arizona and the AMWUA cities? We thought answering frequently asked questions would be helpful....
Jan 03 2023
Recycled Water: A safe and sustainable water supply option
Water will remain a key focus and priority in 2023 for the AMWUA cities, decision-makers, and the public. As the Colorado River situation worsens, we know we will have significantly less water from the River. This has raised questions and discussions about how to replace that supply, which in turn has brought a lot of attention to proposed desalination plants at the Sea of Cortez and increasing Ba...
Dec 27 2022
A defined look at water terminology
The water world is complex, diverse, and deep in terminology, which can confuse anyone who isn’t submerged in it regularly. When discussing anything about water – water quality, water sources and supplies, water management and policies, and the quality and delivery of your water – you are bound to run into acronyms as well as some words and phrases that sound foreign in regular conversations. So, ...
Dec 20 2022
The need for urgent action emphasized at Colorado River conference
State and federal water leaders voiced urgency for decisive action to address the dire situation on the Colorado River at last week’s Colorado River Water Users annual conference in Las Vegas. Still, we remain without a specific plan of attack from Reclamation or consensus among the Basin States. What was made clear as federal, state, and local representatives gathered was that within a year or tw...
Dec 13 2022
The impact of Arizona’s long conservation history
As the attention to water continues to intensify, the spotlight on conservation efforts grows. Some question what Arizona and municipal water providers are doing regarding water conservation, especially with the Colorado River shortage deepening....
Dec 06 2022
Trees play a vital role in our communities
There are many ways to enhance any landscape, but one of the most beneficial ways is with trees, especially desert-adapted ones that can thrive in our arid climate. While planting the correct type of tree will make an immediate visual impact because of its beauty, color, and texture, trees also bring many benefits when planted and cared for properly. Low-water-use trees provide social, communal, e...
Nov 29 2022
Accounting for evaporation and system losses needs to be part of managing the Colorado River
As Lake Mead and Lake Powell’s elevations continue to descend towards unprecedented low levels, the US Bureau of Reclamation has signaled it is considering more than one initiative to stabilize the Colorado River system. One of those actions is accounting for evaporation and other system losses, which would be a common-sense step in managing the River. ...
Nov 22 2022
Avoid a clog with proper disposal of holiday FOG
Prepping for the holiday season always tends to be a bit more challenging with our elaborate menus and long to-do lists as we prepare to host, cook, and eat. This means that the kitchen is a busy place. No matter what your holiday menu might entail, it’s important to be sewer savvy so that your stretchy pants can be reserved for relaxing and not plunging....