In spite of laudatory conservation efforts in Arizona in the past to decrease per capita water consumption we presently face hard choices for the future .
the way we see the world . While hiking West Fork , hopping from rock to from the Verde via the Salt River .
million obtains 40 percent of its water
rock to cross the stream surrounded Studies have shown that the river and by towering cliffs , who among us has its tributaries provide 700 jobs and not wondered about the singular joy up to 16 percent of the total economic of nature and how it shapes our very activity in the Verde Valley , which own existence and destiny . is approximately $ 1 billion to $ 1.5 While water is the most abundant billion per year . substance on the surface of the earth ,
Of the six perennial rivers in Arizona , the Verde River is , regrettably , it is also the most precious . There are two things that we cannot do without : the last remaining living river originating in Arizona . The Gila , Salt , and heat from our sun star and water . The “ river that runs through us ” in Sedona , Santa Cruz rivers have been consumed Oak Creek , is an important tributary to the Verde River . The Verde and the San Pedro is struggling for
by ground water pumping and dams , meanders 170 miles through the life . The Colorado River has long been Verde Valley and provides riparian fully allocated among its surrounding habitats of cottonwoods , willows and riparian states and now dwindling to other vegetation that support a wide a point of disastrous concern . Drought variety of life . Beavers and otters , in the southwest and global warming many native breeding and migratory are adding to the stress . birds , dragon flies , several native and
A recent study led by the Bureau introduced fish , to name a few , all call of Reclamation and Yavapai County the Verde River home . Several bald found a direct correlation between the eagles , our nation ’ s iconic symbol , nest flow of the Verde River and groundwater pumping . The river has gradu- on the Verde . The Verde watershed is less than six percent of the area of Arizona but it supports more than three pumping , particularly in the Verde ’ s
ally decreased in flow as groundwater
quarters of Arizona ’ s wildlife many of Big Chino headwaters , has increased . which are on the endangered list .
Groundwater pumping is largely unregulated because Arizona ’ s water law ,
Kayakers , fishermen , and birdwatchers also enjoy the river . Along inexplicably , does not recognize the relationship between groundwater and the Verde ’ s banks , farmers divert water for crops , including a growing stream flow . As the water table drops vineyard industry , and several cities some 25 miles of the upper portions of pump water to sustain its citizens . the presently flowing river will soon
Other cities pump water from groundwater which , particularly in the
The southwestern United States
be a dry wash as a consequence .
Verde ’ s headwaters , contributes to has a long and ongoing history of disputes and conflicts over water , as do the river ’ s flow . The Phoenix metropolitan area with a population of four other regions of the world both in arid and humid environments . Desert climates in particular must face the need to balance a finite resource with ever increasing developmental demands . In spite of laudatory conservation efforts in Arizona in the past to decrease per capita water consumption we presently face hard choices for the future . Some authorities have suggested importing water from elsewhere or using desalination to produce fresh water . But importing water is highly unlikely since many states , even in water rich areas including the Great Lakes , have passed legislation prohibiting the export of water . Desalination is technically feasible but energy intensive , environmentally destructive , and in Arizona would likely face the costs of pumping through long pipelines from ocean locales thus making it a highly expensive undertaking .
Leaders of the Yavapai Apache Nation who depend on their rights to the river in Camp Verde have warned that “ water is life and you never take it all .” They ask , “ when will we learn to share with all living things and the true meaning of stewardship ?” All of us who value the scenic beauty and inspiration of flowing streams need to heed these words and agree to preserve these natural treasures . Individual water conservation , wastewater recycling , regulated groundwater pumping , and balancing our population growth with principles of sustainability are needed . Peaceful coexistence between us and our natural resources demands it . The future of our children and grandchildren hangs in the balance .
Phil Roark is a retired hydrologist living in Sedona with long experience in addressing issues of sustainability .
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