Phoenix and Water: A Balancing Act

Living in the desert sun, Phoenix faces a constant challenge: water usage.

Here's a quick look at our water situation:

• Demand: The Phoenix metro area uses about 2.3 million acre-feet of water annually. An acre-foot is a lot - enough to cover a football field in a foot of water!
• Sources: Our water comes from a variety of places, including underground aquifers and rivers hundreds of miles away. The city of Phoenix 's water supply comes primarily from the Salt River Project (SRP) which brings water by canal and pipeline from the Salt and Verde Rivers , and the Central Arizona Project (CAP) which transports Colorado River water. A small amount of Phoenix's supply comes from wells, or groundwater. Phoenix also uses a portion of its reclaimed effluent to maintain parks and for recharging local groundwater aquifers.
• Breakdown: Residents use about 35% of the city's water supply, with a significant portion going towards outdoor landscaping. Agriculture still takes the biggest chunk, at about 40%.
• Conservation: There's good news! Phoenix residents have become more water-conscious, using about 29% less water per person than in 1990.

While conservation efforts are helping, Phoenix's water future depends on careful management and continued innovation.

Sources:

• City of Phoenix Water Services: Phoenix Water Services
• Arizona Department of Water Resources: Arizona's Water Use by Sector (Arizona State University)
• Phoenix water supply Q&A: Phoenix Water Services

Water Management

In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, amidst the radiant warmth of the Arizona sun, lies a city of boundless potential: Phoenix. As a dedicated candidate for public office, I am fueled by a passionate commitment to address one of our city's most pressing needs: water management.

Phoenix, a testament to human ingenuity in the face of nature's challenges, has long grappled with the delicate balance of water resources. Yet, in this challenge, I see an opportunity for transformative leadership and bold action. My vision is not simply to manage water, but to forge a path towards sustainable abundance, ensuring that every resident has access to this fundamental resource.

I believe in a Phoenix where water scarcity is met with innovative solutions and proactive policies. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, conservation efforts, and community engagement, we can mitigate the impacts of drought and ensure a resilient future for generations to come.

As your candidate, I am committed to fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, experts, and neighboring communities, recognizing that the management of water knows no borders. Together, we will pioneer initiatives that promote water efficiency, harness alternative sources, and safeguard against the unpredictability of climate change.

Join me in this endeavor as we chart a course towards a thriving Phoenix, where the flow of water sustains not only our bodies but our collective spirit of resilience and unity. Together, let us embrace the challenge, knowing that through decisive action, we can secure a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Did you know?

More than 40 million people rely on the Colorado river, most through municipal water utilities. According to the City of Phoenix Water Services Department [https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices/waterquality], the city of Phoenix provides drinking water to more than 1.7 million people within our 540 square-mile service area. On average, about 95 percent of Phoenix's water comes from surface water (lakes and rivers) and the remaining water comes from groundwater (wells). Water is a precious resource and our city deserves good stewardship when it comes to water management in our city.

Technology & AI

In the realm of water management, harnessing the power of technology and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential. As a forward-thinking Sr. DevOps engineer, I recognize the invaluable role that technology can play in addressing our water challenges effectively.

AI-driven solutions can revolutionize how we monitor, analyze, and manage water resources. Advanced sensors and IoT (Internet of Things) devices can provide real-time data on water quality, usage patterns, and infrastructure performance, enabling us to detect issues promptly and optimize resource allocation.

Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast datasets to identify trends, predict future water demands, and optimize water distribution systems for efficiency. By harnessing AI-powered predictive analytics, we can proactively address potential issues such as leaks, droughts, and contamination, mitigating risks and ensuring the reliability of our water supply.

Furthermore, AI can enhance decision-making processes by providing insights and recommendations based on complex data analysis. By integrating AI into our water management strategies, we can make more informed policy decisions, allocate resources more effectively, and maximize the resilience of our water infrastructure.

Embracing technology and AI in water management is not just about innovation; it's about securing a sustainable future for our community. By embracing these tools, we can enhance our ability to conserve water, protect water quality, and ensure equitable access to this vital resource for all residents.

Education

One of the most important things we can do right now is to educate others. I admittedly didn’t know much about the management of water before I started my research. When I first started learning about the water crisis I was even more confused. There are a lot of different opinions, sources, and facts to sort through. There are different organizations and projects in place to distribute water. There are different laws in place to control the flow of water from cities, states, the Southwest, and the federal level. There are different types of water we distribute (i.e. potable vs non-potable). It takes time and dedication in order to gain a better understanding of the water crisis in our city, state, and Southwest.

We need to start educating our children and work with SRP (Salt River Project) and CAP (Central Arizona Project) to increase field trips for our schools so we can teach our future generations to be good stewards of water. I've been trying to get a tour of CAP for two years now witohut success. Our leaders carry the responsibility to educate the public, increase transparency, and inform our residents of the reality of the water crisis and they must do better. We need to significantly expand our community outreach to help educate our residents by breaking down the complexities around water management (see CAP video below) so that anyone can understand the water crisis and how they can do their part. If I’m elected, I will make sure water remains a top priority in the city of Phoenix.

Continuing education on water management is not just a personal pursuit for me; it's a commitment to the future sustainability of our community. I understand the critical importance of staying informed and evolving with the latest advancements and best practices in water management.

I recognize the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders. By fostering partnerships with experts, researchers, and neighboring communities, I aim to leverage collective wisdom and experiences to address our water challenges comprehensively.

Ultimately, my dedication to continuing education on water management reflects my unwavering commitment to serving our community responsibly and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.