Can Regional Water Management Solve Our Water Problem?

On May 11, 2024, the Citizens Water Advocacy Group (CWAG) will host a presentation by Mark Holmes, water resource consultant, describing how improved regional planning and cooperation will help solve water problems in the Prescott Active Management Area (PrAMA) and in the Big Chino Valley. Holmes is a Registered Geologist with long experience in municipal water management in Chino Valley and other cities in the Maricopa Valley. He will describe why we need regional management, what does it look like, who should participate, how we can make it happen, and then review some successes and failures in other areas.

This will be a hybrid meeting: in person and on Zoom. To attend in-person, join us at the Granite Peak Unitarian Congregation building at 882 Sunset, Prescott (2 blocks west of True Value).  The presentation will start at 10 a.m. There will be coffee and snacks at 9:45 a.m. for informal conversations before the program. Individuals wishing to view the presentation via Zoom can register at the “Next Event” link at www.cwagaz.org.

Arizona groundwater management has not been successful in the Prescott AMA, named by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) as the worst performing in the state. Groundwater overdrafts continue to reduce groundwater levels, Del Rio Springs is nearly dry, the base flow of the Verde River is declining, and domestic wells are failing on the edges of the aquifer. Although the cities in the AMA share a common water resource, they continue to compete for more water to facilitate growth. Instead, cities and county should begin to work together on regional water planning.

About CWAG: Founded in 2002, the mission of the Citizens Water Advocacy Group is to protect the flow of the upper Verde River and to protect the long-term water supply for the Quad Cities region. CWAG develops science-based positions on critical water issues and educates citizens and elected officials on sensible water policies.

Media Inquiries:

Tim Ernster

CWAG Board Member

(928) 201-5082

[email protected]

Ameena Azzouni

CWAG Administrative Assistant

(602) 717-2870

[email protected]