Managing water through the drought
The history of the Salt River Valley is marked by numerous periods of drought -- some lasting as long as 20 or even 30 years.
During such times, managing water resources becomes a particular challenge, but SRP is up to the task, having more than 100 years experience in water stewardship. In fact, the formation of SRP occurred in response to drought, and planning for those conditions remains the basis of our water management efforts.
Since 1995, the Valley has been weathering the longest drought in recent history -- now in its 13th year -- surpassing the previous "drought of record" at the turn of the 20th century. In fact, in 2002 we saw the least amount of water runoff ever recorded in the watersheds that serve the Valley. In 2006, we saw the second lowest runoff ever recorded.
SRP sponsors state-of-the-art drought research at the University of Arizona's Tree Ring Laboratory, where scientists are piecing together the history of runoff and streamflows on the Salt, Verde and upper Colorado rivers -- and thus, the history of drought in Arizona. This newly discovered history provides an interesting perspective as we plan for the future.
In fact, research from the Tree Ring Lab concludes 2002 may have been the driest year in Arizona in 1,400 years. And long-term weather forecasts show no immediate relief in sight.
When the drought will end is anybody's guess at this point. But what is clear is that now is the time to evaluate our water usage and look for ways we can be better stewards of a precious and limited resource.
SRP has a history of responsible water management and continues to look for ways to
strengthen our capabilities and develop the most effective stewardship strategies possible.
- Water allocation management. In response to the unprecedented dryness of the 2002 runoff season, SRP's Board of Governors reduced by one-third the 2003 and 2004 water allocations for those we serve. This reduction was continued for 2005 -- the first time in SRP history that water allocations were reduced for three years running -- but was later rescinded in February 2005. However, because of ongoing drought conditions, increased use of groundwater supplies or water allocation reductions remain a possibility until the drought subsides or ends.
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CAP interconnect. In 1990, SRP completed an interconnect facility with the
Central Arizona Project
(CAP) canal system, making Colorado River water a viable supplement to the greater Phoenix
area's water supply. This resource prevented Roosevelt Lake from literally being drawn dry
in the summer of 2002. The CAP interconnect will remain an important tool for drought
management.
- Underground water storage. SRP continues to develop and utilize the underground storage of water in natural aquifers throughout the Valley.
At the Granite Reef Underground Storage Project (GRUSP) in the Salt River bed, SRP and its partners (Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe), in cooperation with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the state of Arizona Water Banking Authority, have "banked" about 300 billion gallons of CAP water and other water since 1994.
In 1996, SRP began operating as a "groundwater savings facility," which allows SRP to use CAP water and other water instead of groundwater, thereby banking (or "saving") groundwater resources for future use. Over 160 billion gallons of water has been "saved" underground using this technique.
In December 2006, SRP's third underground storage project, the New River-Agua Fria River Underground Storage Project (NAUSP), commenced operations.. SRP's partners in NAUSP include Avondale, Chandler, Glendale, and Peoria. NAUSP is the first recharge facility in Arizona to store highly treated reclaimed water along with surface water from the Colorado, Salt, and Verde rivers.
- Technology. Technology is making a difference. The constant upgrading of
SRP's delivery infrastructure is maximizing efficiency by reducing water loss. Improvements
such as the lining of canals and implementation of a real-time automated delivery system
have helped SRP improve water delivery efficiency -- saving water that would otherwise
be drawn from local reservoirs, pumped from the ground or purchased from CAP.
Low-orbit satellite technology also is providing more accurate data on streamflows in SRP
watersheds -- allowing more efficient watershed management. Improving the technology
of water collection, storage and delivery will remain a priority.
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Maintenance and protection of water rights. Beyond precipitation and runoff,
the legal aspects of water collection are equally important. SRP and its shareholders have some
of the most extensive senior water rights on the Salt and Verde river watershed.
Through measures such as the Gila River Adjudication and the Indian water rights settlement
process, SRP is taking every available course of action to maintain the legal rights that protect
metropolitan Phoenix's water supply. Maintaining and protecting the water rights of the greater
Phoenix area will continue to be an integral part of our overall stewardship responsibility.
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Communication. SRP is strengthening our partnership with Phoenix-area
cities, public service organizations and area businesses to provide water saving information to
the public in a variety of ways. Communicating a message of water stewardship is vital.
- Conservation programs. In addition to partnering with Valley cities and other organizations, SRP has developed several DesertWise programs to promote water conservation in the community. These programs provide information and resources to help businesses and consumers improve their indoor and outdoor water-use efficiencies. At the DesertWise Landscape Research Exhibit, for instance, SRP has been studying various landscape products and options that may help reduce outdoor water use.
Because water stewardship is a team effort, each of us plays a significant role.
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Be aware. The most important point of action you can take to address
the drought is to become aware. Become aware of the drought, its effect on our community's
water resources, and your water usage practices. Become aware that the way you use water
does have an effect on the future of water in metropolitan Phoenix.
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Use water wisely. Educate yourself on ways to save water. In partnership
with Phoenix-area cities and state and local water resource organizations, SRP promotes the
"Water, Use it Wisely"
program, and also offers water conservation tips to help
you incorporate water saving measures into your daily routine.
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Make a commitment. Setting water-saving goals is an effective way to
support water stewardship. But achieving any goal requires a commitment. Programs like
"Water, Use it Wisely" can help you make and achieve realistic water saving goals for your home or office.
Every drop you save is an investment in our water future. And by encouraging your friends,
neighbors and business associates to share in your commitment with goals of their own, you
can multiply that investment many times over.