Water Scarcity and Overdraft Designation in Arizona's Prescott Area
What happened
Low water levels in rural Chino Valley are being attributed to groundwater pumping and inefficient recharge, a trend exacerbated by regional growth, including Prescott Valley adding 10,000 residents in the past 10 years. The Little Chino Basin, which serves Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt, has been designated outside of safe yield for 27 years by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Mark Holmes, water advisor for Chino Valley, stated that drying wells serve as a warning sign of the region's water stress.
From knau.org
Why it matters
The regional water crisis is compounded by the fact that the state of Arizona is facing a 30% reduction in Colorado River water under new federal guidelines. Local governments are attempting to mitigate the overdraft through regional cooperation and stormwater retention, while residents are relying on water haulers and homemade storage methods.
From knau.org
Who's involved
- Prescott ValleyA town within the Prescott metro area experiencing water scarcity.
- PrescottThe city in which Prescott Valley is geographically situated.
- Mark HolmesWater advisor for the town of Chino Valley.
- ArizonaThe state where the Little Chino Basin is located and faces water overdraft.
- Colorado RiverThe major river whose flow is subject to a 30% federal reduction.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- ArizonaSpeculative
Arizona might face increased operational costs for water hauling and storage due to resource scarcity.
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The entities involved
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Prescott Valley
town in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States
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Prescott
City in and county seat of Yavapai County, Arizona, United States
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Mark Holmes
researcher