Implemented Solutions to Wqter Supply Problems?The Tucson Experience

Johnson, R. Bruce; ,

Implemented Solutions to Wqter Supply Problems?The Tucson Experience

by R. Bruce Johnson, Tucson Water, Tucson, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulics/Hydrology of Arid Lands (H?AL)

Abstract:

During the past 30 years Tucson Arizona has been one of the fastest growing urban centers in the United States. During this period, the population served by the municipal water utility, Tucson Water, has increased from 180,000 people in 1960 to about 600,000 in 1989. For our community, the provision of an adequate water supply has been both complex and costly. Throughout these years of accelerated growth, Tucson Water has responded to major problems associated with water supply development, peak demand management, water resource management and providing long-term assured water supplies for our community. Beginning over 20 years ago, Tucson Water initiated an agricultural retirement program to secure and preserve water supply development options. In the mid-70's a precedent setting peak demand management program was implemented which has received national attention. More recently Tucson Water has performed a wastewater reuse assessment and built a reclaimed water treatment and delivery system which leads the state in this type of resource utilization. Parallel to these efforts is a major feasibility assessment program to evaluate the role which groundwater recharge will play in our future. To provide an overview of these water resource programs, Tucson Water has recently completed a 110 year Water Resources Master Plan which evaluates and prioritizes future water resources development options for our community.

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