Here and Now: Conserving H20
You've heard the clichés about water being important living in the desert. You know, the 'life blood,' all that stuff. Well, guess what? We won't be getting much more than the allotment we have now. Other states will only be demanding more of the water we use. Our 13-year drought hasn't helped. And oh yeah, our population is going to double in 25 years or so. Worried about water now? Nope, because we have plenty. Or do we? Here and Now looks at what water we have and how we use it. One guest booked so far practices what he preaches. Greg Patterson runs the Urban farm and teaches permaculture, including the installation of systems to conserve water at home and work.
Historian and author Jack August is also a guest on Here and Now. He'll discuss his new book on Mark Wilmer. Heard of the law firm Snell and Wilmer? Snell was known as one of the big three movers and shakers that helped make the valley what it is. Mark Wilmer wasn't as public a figure, but August contends he did more for Arizona than perhaps any other person in it's history. What did he do? Only push the largest case ever before the U.S. Supreme Court in which tiny Arizona defeated a team of well financed attorneys from a much more populated California. In the process, Wilmer secured water rights essential to the state's well being. We'll let August tell you more.
Have a question or comment for the show? Go ahead and post it below.
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Comments (14)
I have heard about environmental protection for fish in California, they seem to regularly shut off the delta’s pumps for the protection of fish. Why is there no consideration for the endangered species in Arizona that we can be quite certain had habitat in the now dry rivers of Arizona? Why don’t we let water into the river for these species or for the entire river’s sake?
History in the making: safe-yield by 2025? The laws that have set this as a goal sure have helped, but it doesn’t seem like we are going to make it. Not even close. Why hasn’t the legislature or the Governor done anything about it? Are they just pushing this on to the next generation? Won’t the history books paint the current leaders in a bad light regarding water?
An Arizona law was just passed allowing homeowners
to install solar panels, even if their HOA's were against them.
Isn't it time for a law saying that if homeowners wish to
plant water-wise desert landscaping instead of grass, that no HOA can demand "lush plantings"?
Why not charge more for non-essential (not needed for sustaining a person) water use? Decorative fountains, watering lawns, washing cars, ...). Unless there is a penalty, people will just use any resource they can afford.
Unfortunately, there probably is nothing that can really be done about this other than making people aware, but how about all the huge SUV drivers who wash their vehicles once a week?
I certainly related to the woman calling about businesses watering around noon. There are far too many businesses in Sedona, restaurants, real estate offices, etc that are watering on timers at high temperature during the day such that the water spills out on to the street.
It is baffling that the City Council doesn't move to implement conservative water measures!
Thanks! Great program!!
We here about water conservation here in the valley while at the same time learning that there is going to be a million or so people in a Apache Junction development, 40,000 new homes planned for Wittman, etc., etc., why should I convert my grass?
Questions:
Is there any forseeable danger that irrigated lots will lose their water share/ability to water this way?
Isn't it more water efficient to water with flood irigation than a sprinkler system?
Short of selling my house, what suggestions do you have for water conservation dealing with my pool?
I am curious about the quality of the water used in the flood irrigation systems? Is it really safe to water plants that will be consumed by humans?
How does the panel feel about new developments that promote water in their theme such as the new propsed water park at Mesa riverview park area called Wave yard. Porponets send flyers saying the water usage would be no more than that used on the golf course (to be removed). What about the other usage for the homesand condos to be built and businesses and where or what water would be used to fill the wave park? Cap, well water or recycled grey water?
Having grown up in Prescott, my awareness of water issues in AZ are acute. In seeing the direct effects of falling water tables in the high country - and seeing the complete and utter disregard for water conservation by the public here in Phoenix - I fear for the future of the southwest. Our growth and usage of water resources is completely unsustainable. Much like the coming oil crisis, water will soon become a major problem for all, especially in the Southwest. This is one of many reasons why I am re-locating to the Pacific Northwest next year.
Must I water a 5 year old Mesquite tree?
Could your guests describe city rebate programs for converting to xeriscape and installing solar. Are there additional rebates for urban farming?
I've received quotes from several gardeners upwards of $5,000 per front/back yard. Is this pretty much the going rate. How much should I expect to per 1/4 acre to convert to xeriscape?
