Water

Colorado River Shortage

In the midst of a 22-year drought, the Department of the Interior declared the first-ever Colorado River Basin water shortage in August 2021. As of early 2022, 100 percent of Arizona is considered to be abnormally dry and 25.8 percent is considered to be in severe drought conditions. The Colorado River irrigates farms, powers electric grids, and provides drinking water to 40 million people and this drought, combined high demand, is expected to force the first-ever mandatory water cuts. Arizona water professionals and research committees are looking for new ways to ensure the long-term availability of water for the state’s residents. Could desalination be a solution?

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. is one of Arizona’s top public affairs firms. We are advocacy professionals who strive to obtain the results our clients want. When it comes to large issues like the Colorado River water shortage, it is important to be informed and to have your voice heard. Read our blog post below to learn about desalination and how it is being considered a potential water shortage solution. 

What is Desalination?

Desalination is the process of removing salts and minerals from a substance. This process can be used to remove salt from ocean water, marking it an adequate replacement for freshwater supplies. Desalination requires a lot of energy to break the chemical bonds in saltwater so the necessary technology can be costly. However, desalination is being considered one of many potential solutions for depleting water resources in Arizona.

Desalination Proposals In Arizona

Many options have been considered to stabilize the water supply to states such as Arizona, California, and Nevada, who are experiencing depleted water resources from Lake Mead. One recent proposal from Pima County includes building a $4.1 billion dollar desalination plant. This project would include a plant to remove salt from seawater in the Sea of Cortez in Sonora, as well as 196 miles of underground pipeline to transport the water to the Tucson area. 

In his final State of the State address, Governor Doug Ducey proposed spending $1 billion from the state’s general fund over three years toward sustaining Arizona’s future water supply. The idea is that the additional funding would allow for desalination to be a viable option. Desalination was the only new water initiative Ducey specifically mentioned in his speech; however, his statement notes that any water budget would be used for a variety of new technology that makes reuse and efficiency upgrades possible. 

Comparing Desalination To Current Alternatives

Compared to other projects Arizona has implemented to lessen the effects of water shortage, desalination presents some challenges in how much water it can produce and what it would cost. The Central Arizona Project is currently Arizona’s largest resource for renewable water supplies. This project is a 336-mile long system of tunnels, pumping plants, and pipelines that deliver Colorado River water to Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties, 80% of the state’s population. One current desalination plant north of San Diego can produce up to 56,000 acre-feet of water a year and costs $2,200 per acre-foot. The Central Arizona Project delivers approximately 1.5 million acre-feet a year to Central Arizona and costs $211 per acre-foot. This comparison reveals some of the potential difficulties of implementing desalination in Arizona.

Dorn Policy Group is a Proud Arizona Government Relations Firm

As one of the leading Arizona government relations firms, we know how important it is to be noticed by key elected officials and community leaders, especially with everchanging issues and uncertainty that affect the future of your business. Dorn Policy Group, Inc. ensures your voice is heard. Contact us today and learn how we can help your business find success through strong government relations.

A red and white checkered water tower containing water resources for native american tribes

Everyone deserves clean, potable water, and unfortunately many Native American tribes lack water that meets the Safe Drinking Water Act. In April 2020, the Bureau of Reclamation announced that six tribes will share $1.1 million through the Native American Affairs Technical Assistance to Tribes Program to develop and manage water resources for six tribes. 

Dorn Policy Group partners with several industry leaders and municipalities to advocate for/against policies that impact their businesses and communities.  We’ve successfully represented tribal nations on several issues that have led to improved state-tribal relations. Visit our website to learn more about our services and expertise.

Water Resources as Required by the Safe Drinking Water Act

The Safe Drinking Act authorizes the EPA to establish minimum standards that are designed to ensure safe tap water for public use. Under this Act, it also establishes standards for state programs to protect underground sources of drinking water from contaminates. In the case of Native American tribes, it is their responsibility to enforce drinking water regulations. But according to Close the Gap, at least 2 million people still don’t have access to clean drinking water or a working toilet. This is a major concern for native tribes and one that public policy can address through supportive bills.  

What the Native American Affairs Program will do for Tribals Nations

According to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, Brenda Burman, the $1.1 million in funds will “establish cooperative working relationships with Indian tribes and tribal organizations and ensure they can fully participate with Reclamation as they develop, manage, and protect their water resources.”

Each tribe will receive a specific amount that will go towards their water initiatives. For example, the Navajo Nation will receive $142,964 for the final design of a new water supply that will serve the community of Bodaway Gap, Arizona. But according to the Indian Health Service, it is estimated that it would cost $200 million to efficiently provide basic water and sanitation access across the Navajo Nation.

Let Dorn Policy Group Advocate on Your Behalf

Being heard by key policymakers is a daunting task for many individuals and organizations. For Native American tribes, it can be the difference between getting a fair amount of resources or being left out of state discussions. That is why it’s important to enlist the expertise of a lobbying firm. Dorn Policy Group has been doing this for 20 years, and we continue to meet and exceed our client’s expectations. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in your goals.

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