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ADWR’s Arizona Water Atlas, Vols. 1 and 2, Available
The Arizona Department of Water Resources has issued draft versions of
the first two volumes of the Arizona Water Atlas; the completed project
will consist of nine volumes. The Atlas is described in a press release
as “a compilation of currently available water-related information
for the State of Arizona.” Much water information is contained therein,
to serve several primary purposes: provide an overview of state water
supply and demand conditions; to be a source of water resource information
for planning and resource development purposes; and to assist in identifying
the water-related needs of communities throughout Arizona, particularly
those outside the Active Management Areas.
Non-AMA, primarily rural areas receive special attention since such locations
are in particular need of water information for planning and management
purposes. The Atlas staff seeks to identify issues requiring further study,
note water resource concerns facing rural Arizona communities and help
find solutions. The Atlas is part of a renewed and more systematic ADWR
effort to maintain a rural Arizona database.
That water is managed differently within the AMAs than outside AMAs influences
the organization and to some extent the content of the Atlas. The introductory
Volume 1 is followed by individual planning area volumes (Volumes 2-7)
for each of the six planning areas outside of AMAs. Treated as a separate
planning area, the AMAs are described in Volume 8; Volume 9 is a summary
volume covering the entire state.
Draft versions of Volumes 1 and 2 are available on the ADWR website: www.azwater.gov
Public and professional comment is invited; the atlas will be revised
based on received comments. An electronic comment form is available on
the website. ADWR plans to finalize the Atlas in early 2007, with printed
copies and CD-ROMs available. For additional information, contact: Linda
Stitzer, Atlas co-manager: 520-770-3815 or lsstitzer@azwater.gov
Discourse on Water
The summer issue of the quarterly journal Reconstruction: Studies in Contemporary
Culture is dedicated to water; its theme is “Water: Resources &
Discourses.” The academically orientated journal takes a philosophical
or cultural look at the topic. A question asked in its introduction is:
“Is there a field of knowledge, a sector of the economy, a practice
of everyday life that is not quickened by water and its multifarious uses
and significations?” The issue intends to attract the attention
of water professionals who will find a nontraditional approach to their
interests. The issue is available on-line at http://reconstruction.eserver.org/063/contents.shtml
Research Publications and Presentations on the Binational Upper
San Pedro River Basin, Arizona/Sonora 1997-2006
The University of Arizona’s Udall Center for Studies in Public
Policy
The above bibliography provides a chronology and synopsis of research
on the Upper San Pedro River basin published by Udall Center researchers
and their collaborators over the past decade. The documents explore the
roots of conflict and cooperation in the basin, focusing on water resources
management as identified and examined during the Center’s engagement
in the region. Much of the research was prompted by an interest in maximizing
opportunities for cross-border cooperation and stakeholder involvement.
Researchers interested in these topics, either in the San Pedro River
basin or other watersheds, will find the bibliography a useful introductory
guide. The document is available at the Udall web site: http://udallcenter.arizona.edu
“Layperson’s Guide to Arizona
Water,” a WRRC Work in Progress
As part of its commitment to serve the water education needs of
Arizona citizens, the Water Resources Research Center has teamed
up with the Water Education Foundation to produce a “Layperson’s
Guide to Arizona Water.” Publication date is set for February,
2007.
The publication will meet a longstanding need: it will offer in
a single, reader-friendly source information Arizona citizens need
to know to be well informed about state water issues.
Water professionals know that water information flows from various
sources, from government reports to web sites. What has not been
readily available is a single, focused and succinct source that
the nonprofessional can dip into.
Few would doubt the need for a citizens’ guide or primer describing
the ins and outs of Arizona water. Arizona is a rapidly growing
state attracting people from many different areas who need to be
educated about water in semi-arid Arizona. Also many current Arizona
citizens would benefit from an overview of state water issues to
better participate in addressing water problems. Or the guide could
serve just to satisfy the curiosity of those who are interested
in the fascinating topic of Arizona water.
Various organizations have generously contributed to the project.
These include Central Arizona Project, Salt River Project, U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation - Phoenix Area, Arizona Municipal Water Users
Association and the Southern Arizona Water Users Association.
An advisory committee made up of Arizona water professionals will
provide guidance and advice in the writing of the guide.
The “Layperson’s Guide to Arizona Water” will
be available in a printed version from the Water Education Foundation
as well as on-line at the WRRC web site.
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