Prescott AZ (August 31, 2021) – How long will our water last? While scientists can’t accurately answer this question, they do know that the groundwater that supplies Quad City residents is being pumped at a far greater rate than it is being replenished. This situation, or overdraft, has already resulted in hundreds of failing family wells, and is poised to threaten the upper Verde River and the very livability of our rural areas.
Three water experts from the Citizens Water Advocacy Group (CWAG) will explain the dangers of the overdraft and present ways to achieve sustainable water use at a CWAG-sponsored Zoom Webinar on Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. – noon. The Zoom link is posted in the “Next Meeting” section at www.cwagaz.org.
Gary Beverly, CWAG president; Peter Kroopnik, CWAG Science Committee Chair; and Ed Wolf, CWAG Board member, will talk about how groundwater from the Little Chino and Agua Fria aquifers is used and why current methods of recharge cannot offset the unsustainable drop in aquifer levels that is impacting family wells and rural life. They will also address how the overdraft jeopardizes the health of the upper Verde River and the habitats it provides.
The team’s presentation will include ways in which Quad Cities leaders can work together to update water management policies and institute conservation programs to reduce the overdraft and help protect our water for the future. New development accelerates the depletion of the aquifers, and while current water management policies are based on legally permitted groundwater pumping, they turn a blind eye to the reality of falling aquifer levels. Without attaining sustainable groundwater use, cities and towns may well face a very expensive future water shortage, with some rural areas becoming unlivable.
Gary Beverly holds a PhD degree in Physical Chemistry from the University of California. He joined CWAG in 2010 and previously taught physical science and alternative energy at Yavapai College, and also worked as a farmer, contractor, and businessman.
Dr. Peter Kroopnick joined CWAG in 2009. Before his retirement, he was a practicing hydrogeologist for a major engineering company and an instructor in hydrogeology at Arizona State University.
Edward W. Wolfe, PhD, an initial member of the CWAG board, is a retired geologist who spent his 40 year career, which included geologic studies in central and northern Arizona, with the U.S. Geological Survey.
CWAG is a local citizens group advocating for a sustainable water future for Prescott and central Yavapai County and for the protection of the upper Verde River. For more information, visit www.cwagaz.org, CWAG’s
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I appreciate the work you do. You’re the only organization I know that sees the whole picture, educates and politically influences conservation for our limited water supply in the area.