Program Descriptions and Contacts
Central Arizona Salinity Study
Central Arizona's surface water supplies (Central Arizona Project and Salt River Project) transport 1.6M tons of salt per year into the region. Agriculture and municipal use contribute more salts into the local water cycle. High salinity water in Central Arizona increases water treatment costs, damages plumbing and fixtures, increases maintenance to pumps and distributing systems, lowers crop yields and increases the need for special drainage facilities on farms. Local communities and industry are removing the salts to improve the water quality which leads to the problem of brine disposal. Resolution of the salinity problem will improve public health, economic development and quality of life.
Status: The main focus of the study now is concentrate management. An innovative method of using wetlands to process the concentrate is under investigation and shows great potential to solve the problem. The other area of investigation is the control of salts entering into the wastewater treatment plants.
Study Manager: Thomas Poulson
Telephone Number:
623-773-6278
E-mail: tpoulson@usbr.gov
East Valley Water Forum
This is a water supply study for renewable resource allocations (such as the Central Arizona Project) for east side metropolitan Phoenix cities. The first phase identified population growth and water needs, groundwater drawdown impacts based on modeling efforts, water use patterns, and benefits from a regional collaboration.
Status: East Valley Water Forum has produced a regional Water Management Plan and is currently gathering data and beginning to work on a drought model.
Study Manager: Mitchell Haws
Telephone Number:
623-773-6274
E-mail: mhaws@usbr.gov
El Rio River Restoration Study
A partnership with Maricopa County Flood Control District to study reduction of tamarisk, environmental enhancement, and improve recreations as a pilot study for transfer of technology to the full scale project. The partnership's incidental goals include recreation, flood control, environmental enhancement, and water quality improvements.
Status: The demonstrations study is continuing with an expansion of the study area in 2008. NEPA work has begun and coordination among the agencies is ongoing in order to execute the fy08 modification.
Study Manager: William Doyle
Telephone Number:
623-773-6272
E-mail: wdoyle@usbr.gov
Gila Watershed Partnership
Working collaboratively in the Gila watershed with community members, local, state and federal entities to conserve, restore and protect water quality and quantity in a locally lead effort.
Status: Currently working with partners in the Gila Valley defining a supply study to go along with a demand study that has already been produced.
Study Manager: Terri Wilson
Telephone Number: 623-773-6267
E-mail: tlwilson@usbr.gov
Green Valley Area Water Supply Study
The unincorporated area south of metropolitan Tucson, within the Tucson Active Management Area, is experiencing falling groundwater levels and impaired water quality. Agriculture, mining and a rapidly expanding residential sector all contribute to a growing demand for water. Although two local water companies in the area have Central Arizona Project entitlements, infrastructure for the delivery of CAP water has yet to be constructed. The study examines the available quantity and quality of water in the area and recommends strategies for reducing dependence on local groundwater.
Study Manager: Eric Holler
Telephone Number: 520-670-4825
E-mail: fholler@usbr.gov
Little Colorado River Watershed Study
This study will be a basin-wide effort to define the problems, identify solutions and options related to protecting and increasing water supplies, preserve/enhance a more natural environment, and improve the health of the watershed. There are multiple jurisdictions over the water resources which are working to develop a coordinated management plan to optimize the water resources to meet the water needs.
Study Manager: Darlene Tuel
Telephone Number: 623-773-6268
E-mail: dtuel@usbr.gov
Miscellaneous Flood Control
The Arizona Statewide Flood Warning System is the primary function of the Miscellaneous Flood Control Program. The AFWS is currently being implemented by a multi-agency organization. The major agencies involved are ADWR, COE, SRP, NWS, Reclamation, FCDMC, PCFCD, and USGS.
Study Manager: Thomas Poulson
Telephone Number: 623-773-6278
E-mail: tpoulson@usbr.gov
Mogollon Rim Water Resources Management Study
The Mogollon Rim Water Resources Management Study is a regional effort in northern Gila County to evaluate and address potential unmet water demands in the year 2040.
Status: Reclamation has completed the final draft of the appraisal level study report. The draft report is currently being distributed to the partners for review and comment.
Study Manager: Leslie Meyers
Telephone Number:
623-773-6276
E-mail: lmeyers@usbr.gov
Nogales Area Water Storage
The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) Santa Cruz Active Management Area (SCAMA)includes the watershed delineated on the south by the US/Mexican border and following the Santa Cruz River north to the Pima County line. The watershed is generally characterized as having a good supply of water. However, a shallow depth to bedrock and few surface reservoirs provide very little water storage, especially in times of drought. A major source of water in the watershed is treated effluent generated from the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant which treats wastewater generated by Nogales, Sonora, Mexico and Nogales, Arizona. Reclamation, ADWR and the City of Nogales have signed an agreement to study the problem of water storage in the watershed. Reclamation will work with its partners to prepare an appraisal level analysis of potential long-term water storage alternatives for the SCAMA. The study will identify and describe key problems in water resource management with a focus on long-term water storage.
Study Manager: Deborah Tosline
Telephone Number: 520-670-4806
E-mail: dtosline@usbr.gov
North Central Arizona Water Supply Study
The North Central Arizona Water Supply Study is a regional effort to evaluate and address potential unmet water demands on the Coconino Plateau in the year 2050.
Status: An appraisal level Report of Findings was published in October 2006. The non Federal parties are currently working with the Arizona Congressional Delegation seeking feasibility authority.
Study Manager: Leslie Meyers
Telephone Number:
623-773-6276
E-mail: lmeyers@usbr.gov
PhoenixMetropolitan Water Reclamation and Reuse Project
In cooperation with the City of Phoenix, this study will investigate and study the most efficient and effective method to utilize reclaimed water from the 91st Avenue regional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for groundwater recharge near the confluence of the Agua Fria River and New River. A feasibility report will be produced which will include an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), cost estimate and preliminary design. Following the completion of the feasibility report, the final design will be completed and recharge facilities will be constructed, depending upon Congressional approval and funding for construction.
Status: The EIS and a draft of the Feasibiity Study, under Title XVI rules for feasibility) is almost complete.
Study Manager: Thomas Poulson
Telephone Number:
623-773-6278
E-mail: tpoulson@usbr.gov
Salt River Valley Water Analysis and Resource Study
Concern exists as to whether the valley's water supply storage is sufficient to supply Arizona's needs, particularly during a sustained drought period. This is a multi-year study to determine if an issue exists with respect to the valley's long term water supply. The issue of long term sustainability with respect to hydrologic cycles and water supply and demand are seen as integrated water management issues.
Study Manager: William Doyle and Mitchell Haws
Telephone Number: 623-773-6272 or 6274
E-mail: wdoyle@usbr.gov or mhaws@usbr.gov
SAWARSA - Effluent Utilization
Find and execute opportunities for the use of effluent available to the Secretary to meet the objectives of the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-293) (SAWRSA) and the Arizona Water Settlements Act (P.L. 108-451--12/10/2004). The Department of Interior, through Reclamation, receives 28,200 acre-feet per year (AFY) of secondary treated effluent from Tucson area wastewater treatment plants to assist in implementation of the settlement. Reclamation currently recharges treated effluent in the Santa Cruz River and receives credit for 50% of the water recharged. The current recharge projects do not fully utilize the SAWRSA effluent, thus Reclamation seeks to fully utilize the 28,200 AFY of treated effluent in other Tucson projects.
Study Manager: Deborah Tosline
Telephone Number: 520-670-4806
E-mail: dtosline@usbr.gov
Sierra Vista Watershed Study - Upper San Pedro Partnership
The study provides analysis and technical expertise related to water resource planning in the Upper San Pedro River Watershed. Managing aquifer storage and the effects of groundwater pumping are vital to the region's water resource future. Studies include hydrological analysis, evaluation of water augmentation alternatives, wastewater reuse, water treatment evaluations, and associated environmental evaluation. An appraisal level study was completed in June, 2007, that developed appraisal level design and cost estimates on a long-list of alternatives; developed screening criteria and screened the alternatives into a short-list. Legislation has been introduced to obtain authorization and funding for feasibility level analysis of the short-listed alternatives and a programmatic NEPA analysis. The goal is to develop a watershed-wide plan that balances the demands for municipal and industrial uses and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Reclamation continues to provide technical assistance.
Study Manager: Eric Holler
phone Number: 520-670-4825
E-mail: fholler@usbr.gov
Sierra Vista Water Reclamation Facility Effluent Recharge Project
The preservation of two important Federal facilities, Fort Huachuca (Fort) and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA), in Southeast Arizona, requires augmentation of the local water supply. Development near the City of Sierra Vista (SV) has resulted in substantial groundwater overdraft and a cone of depression that is expected to negatively impact baseflows of the San Pedro River (SPR). In 1996, Reclamation and the Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission provided funding for the SV Water Reclamation Facility (SVWRF) to upgrade its capacity and to construct facilities to recharge the aquifer with treated effluent, thereby supporting baseflows in the SPR. Reclamation reviews the SVWRF annual monitoring and 5-year modeling reports to ascertain whether effluent may be used in a more effective manner. Reclamation coordinated a collaboration of Federal and local partners to optimize data collection and to incorporate monitoring results into on-going research. The SVWRF recharge facility annually contributes the largest volume of water to the San Pedro Sub-watershed in the region.
Study Manager: Deborah Tosline
Telephone Number: 520-670-4806
E-mail: dtosline@usbr.gov
Slow sand filtration (SSF) and reverse osmosis (RO) treatment with associated concentrate disposal using halophyte irrigation
This pilot project will assess whether CAP water, as it is delivered in the Tucson, Arizona area, can effectively be treated with a combination of slow-sand filtration (SSF), reverse osmosis (RO) and associated concentrate disposal. The project is investigating the use of halophyte irrigation as a brine concentrate management option.
Study Manager: Eric Holler
Telephone Number: 520-670-4825
E-mail: fholler@usbr.gov
The Central Yavapai Highlands Water Resources Management Study
A regional effort to evaluate and address potential unmet water demands in the upper and middle Verde watersheds in the year 2050. This study will examine the full range of problems and solutions in the Verde River watershed.
Status: The appraisal level plan of study and cost share agreement are compete.
Study Manager: Leslie Meyers
Telephone Number: 623-773-6276
E-mail: lmeyers@usbr.gov
Tres Rios Wetlands Demonstration Project - Title 16 Activities
Conduct research and development in the use of a constructed wetland to aid in processing secondary wastewater coming from water treatment facilities. This is in conjunction with the Sub-regional Operating Group (SROG) which is comprised of the cities of Phoenix , Scottsdale , Glendale , Mesa , and Tempe .
Study Manager: William Doyle
Telephone Number:
623-773-6272
E-mail: wdoyle@usbr.gov
Tucson Area Central Arizona Project System Reliability Investigation
Authorized under CAP, Tucson Reliability Division, to provide Central Arizona Project water to Tucson, AZ area CAP subcontractors for planned annual 30 day, maintenance outages. Separate but inter-related studies are underway for providers, including Tucson Water, the Schuk Toak and San Xavier Districts of the Tohono O’odham Nation, the Northwest Municipal water providers, CAP Terminus area providers and East Valley providers. The City of Tucson has proposed expanding its recharge and recovery facilities. A recharge and recovery project using arroyos is operating on the San Xavier District and is in the process of being expanded. The Schuk Toak District has expressed interest in a similar facility. The Northwest Tucson Providers are planning a reservoir in conjunction with their planned treatment plant.
Reclamation has reported on plans for providing reliability for each group of water providers, along with initial costs for the projects.
Study Manager: Eric Holler
Telephone Number: 520-670-4825
E-mail: fholler@usbr.gov
Tucson Area Water Reclamation Study
This study identified a potential effluent reuse project that may be eligible for funding under Title XVI of Public Law (P.L.) 102-575, as amended. The City of Tucson Reclaimed Water System Expansion and Enhancement Project, which is located within the Tucson Active Management Area (TAMA), will reduce pumping of ground water, match water quality to its appropriate end use, and maximize the use of renewable sources of water. The project will allow Tucson to replace the pumping of 15,200 acre-feet per year of excellent quality potable ground water with treated effluent. Tucson Water's proposal is one component of an overall regional strategy that began in 1996 to improve effluent use in the TAMA.
Study Manager: Eric Holler
Telephone Number: 520-670-4825
E-mail: fholler@usbr.gov
Upper Gila River Watershed Restoration
The Upper Gila Watershed is exposed to grazing, mining, timbering, and agricultural activities which have degraded the hydrologic system resulting in increased flooding, poor water quality, and decline in native biological communities. Rapid regional population growth and major changes in the local economy is resulting in long-term projected water deficits. Community members, local, state and federal entities are working collaboratively to conserve, restore and protect water quality and quantity in a locally lead effort. This program hopes to investigate factors causing the above conditions and develop a river basin management plan to ensure acceptable watershed conditions, identify alternatives for supply and quality improvements.
Status: Partners are currently seeking non-Federal funding to move forward with proposed activities.
Study Manager: Mary Reece or Terri Wilson
Telephone Number: 623-773-6279 or 623-773-6267
E-mail: mreece@usbr.gov or tlwilson@usbr.gov
Upper Gila New Mexico CAP Unit
The Arizona Water Settlements Act (P.L. 108-451) amends requirements of the Central Arizona Project related to construction of a New Mexico Unit if requested by the State to develop New Mexico's project allocation. The Act also ratifies the New Mexico Consumptive Use and Forbearance Agreement. The Act authorizes the Secretary to execute the New Mexico Unit Agreement within one year of receipt of written notice from the State that it intends to build the New Mexico Unit. Different funding amounts are available to either pay costs of a New Mexico Unit or other water utilization alternatives to meet water supply demands in the Southwest Water Planning Region of New Mexico.
Status: Reclamation is currently supporting the State of New Mexico’s stakeholder planning process.
Study Manager: Mary Reece
Telephone Number: 623-773-6279
E-mail: mreece@usbr.gov
WestCAPS
A coalition of five municipalities and three private water companies in the west Phoenix Salt River Valley who are Central Arizona Project subcontractors working together to effectively use their CAP allocations in order to preserve groundwater. A 1995 study authorized by the Arizona legislature showed that most of the west Salt River Valley has experienced significant groundwater decline, resulting in up to 17 feet of land subsidence in some areas. WESTCAPS' goal is to plan and develop water delivery infrastructure to shift the communities' reliance from groundwater to renewable supplies by 2025.
Study Manager: William Doyle
Telephone Number: 623-773-6272
E-mail: wdoyle@usbr.gov
Last Reviewed:
July 22, 2009
Webmaster:
Joseph J. Billerbeck - jbillerbeck@usbr.gov