“ In the wake of burgeoning populations, water development

is currently being driven beyond the absolute limits of

guaranteeable supplies and past the point of long-term sustainable

livelihoods, thus, preparing the ground for future crises throughout

the world.”

(Water Management in Desert Environments, Bruce Roberts)

Overview of Presentation

A. Hydrological ConceptsB. Tucson Geography and HydrologyC. Population Change in TucsonD. Tucson’s Economic BaseE. Water Consumption PatternsF. Water Management G. Other Politics H. Central Arizona ProjectI. Solutions?

Aquifer Structure

Surface Water

Groundwater

CAP Water

Water Supply

TucsonAMA

Population Transition

Tucson Population Growth, 1969-1996

0100000200000300000400000500000600000700000800000900000

per annum

Tucson’s

Economic Base

31 % Service Industry

23% Government

22% Trade

9% Manufacturing

6% Construction

4% TCPU

4% Fire

1% Mining

Municipal Groundwater Consumption1985 112,655 AF1990 123,165 AF1995 147,080 AF

Agricultural Groundwater Consumption1985 111,004 AF1990 89,815 AF 1995 95,379 AF

Industrial Groundwater Consumption1985 55,744 AF1990 47,974 AF1995 59,422 AF

Groundwater Consumption by Sector

Hydrological

Transitions

Effects of drop in water table:

• Reduced Inflow/Outflow

• Altered Inflow/Outflow Patterns

• Compaction of Aquifer (subsequent decrease in recharge)

• Land Subsidence

• Earth Fissures

Ecological

Transitions

Effects of drop in water table:

• Reduced Streamflow

• Drying stream beds

• Consequences for Riparian Habitats

• General vegetation die-off

• Desertification

Impacts on

Society

• Altered Inflow/Outflow Patterns : Effects on local wells

• Land Subsidence and Earth fissures: Damage to well casings, sewage systems, irrigation systems, building foundations.

• Increased salinization/TDS: Poorer water quality

• Problems associated with increased pumping lift

Economic

Transitions

• Residential Developers on the rise

• Environmental Technology on the rise

• Telecommunications Industry rising

• Agriculture Declining

Policy

Dynamics

Governing Bodies and Present Laws

• ADWR (vs. Pima County or Tucson Planning)

• Groundwater Code of 1980 (safe-yield by 2025)

• Proposition 200

Political

“Transitions”

As groundwater supplies run out:

• Increased number of governing bodies managing H20

• Increased number and activity of citizen groups

• Increased spending: management, education, technology and research, disputes (govt and legal)

• Increased tension among stakeholders

Groundwater Supply

PrivateCitizens

AgricultureMiningIndustry

OtherBusiness

Govt.Policy

Business Influence

Citizen Groups

Research & Technology

Population

Solutions?

• Find New Resources, Replenish Current Resources

• More Efficient Use of Resources

• Reduce Consumption