More Educational Information
98% of Phoenix's water supply relies heavily on surface water sources, the (Salt, Verde, and Colorado rivers combined). Only 2% groundwater in the current supply.
- 52% comes from the Salt and Verde rivers
- 38% comes from the Colorado River
- 8% is reclaimed water
- Only 2% comes from groundwater.
What is Surface Water : Water that collects on the surface of the earth, such as in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. Examples in Arizona: Colorado River, Salt River, Verde River, Lake Mead, Lake Powell.
What is Ground Water : Water located beneath the earth's surface in soil pore spaces and fractures in rock formations. Examples in Arizona: The Central Arizona Groundwater Basin, Prescott Basin, and other regional aquifers.
Surface Water :
Colorado River Basin: A major source supplying water to multiple states, including Arizona. Key reservoirs include Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
Salt and Verde Rivers: Crucial for municipal and agricultural use within Arizona.
Other Rivers and Lakes: Serve regional needs and recreational purposes.
Groundwater :
Central Arizona Groundwater Basin: The most significant groundwater source for Phoenix and surrounding metropolitan areas.
Basins in Northern Arizona: Include the Prescott and Flagstaff basins, supplying water to their respective regions.
Recharge Areas: Primarily mountainous regions where precipitation infiltrates the ground to replenish aquifers.
Usage Statistics:
Surface Water:
Agricultural Use: Approximately 60-70% of Arizona's surface water is allocated for agriculture.
Municipal Use: Urban areas, including Phoenix, rely on surface water for a significant portion of their supply.
Groundwater:
Municipal Use: Phoenix Metropolitan Area depends heavily on groundwater, especially during droughts.
Agricultural Use: Supplementary use in regions where surface water is scarce.
Residential Use: Individual wells for households in rural and suburban areas.
Contaminants:
Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides, fertilizers, and sediment.
Industrial Discharges: Heavy metals, chemicals, and thermal pollution.
Urban Runoff: Pathogens, oils, and urban pollutants.
Treatment Challenges:
Pathogen Control: Requires effective disinfection processes to eliminate bacteria and viruses.
Chemical Removal: Necessitates advanced treatment for contaminants like nitrates, heavy metals, and organic pollutants.
Groundwater Quality Contaminants:
Natural Contaminants: Arsenic, fluoride, and selenium from geological formations.
Anthropogenic Contaminants: Nitrates from fertilizers, heavy metals from industrial activities, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from improper disposal.
Protection Measures:
Wellhead Protection: Securing areas around wells to prevent contamination.
Regulation and Monitoring: Regular testing and adherence to safety standards to ensure water quality.
Surface Water in Phoenix:
Primary Source: Reliant on the Salt and Verde Rivers, along with Colorado River allocations.
Infrastructure: Includes major reservoirs like the Salt River Project (SRP) and Verde River facilities.
Challenges: Managing allocations amidst prolonged droughts and increasing demand.
Groundwater in Phoenix:
Primary Source: The Central Arizona Groundwater Basin is crucial, especially during surface water shortages.
Sustainability Efforts: Initiatives to reduce reliance on groundwater, such as water recycling and conservation measures.
Issues: Over drafting leading to declining water tables and potential land subsidence.
Surface Water Management:
Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR): Oversees surface water rights and allocations.
Colorado River Compact: Governs the distribution of Colorado River water among states, including Arizona
Groundwater Management:
Arizona Groundwater Management Act (AGMA) of 1980: Established Active Management Areas (AMAs) to regulate groundwater use.
Local Groundwater Authorities: Implement AGMA regulations, including permitting, monitoring, and conservation strategies.