The Center for Biological Diversity
has taken a lead stand against the proposed water
transfer pipeline in the Big Chino aquifer area of
central Arizona near Prescott. Their intention is
to rally public support in defeating this project
for a number of reasons; cost, environmental disturbance,
and the potential to stop the Verde River's current
level of flow, especially during dry season. Water
will increasingly become a stand-out issue in the
years to come in high-growth states like Arizona.
The concerns affect everyone so take some time to
study the issues and voice your opinion.
The Uper Verde River Watershed coalition
was formed by Prescott-area cities and the Yavapai
County government in response to the Verde River Basin
Partnership. County officials and local interests
decided to conduct their own research and planning
focused on mitigating any possible damage to the Verde
River watershed from the creation of the proposed
water transfer pipeline. The proposed pipeline will
pump a significant quantity of water to Prescott and
outlying communites from large wells in an area approximately
19 miles from the primary springs of the Big Chino
aquifer, the headwater source for the Verde River.
The Verde River Basin Partnership
consists of a wide variety of community activists,
non-profit groups, and local, state, and federal officials
who are involved in the study and planning of water
resources related to the Verde River basin. A lot
of controversy and heated discussion surround the
future of this important river in the Chino Valley/Prescott
and Verde Valley region of northern Arizona. The Partnership
is involved in scientific hydrological studies aimed
at understanding the actual water resources in place
and to offer solid data as a response to the continued
development of Prescott and its outlying communities,
the plans for thousands of new homes, and the impact
such growth will have on the Verde River.
Top site for the latest info, research,
and news concerning water studies in Arizona. Their
famous “Arizona River History Bibliography”
is a very comprehensive database on Arizona’s
rivers and riparian areas:
www.ag.arizona.edu/AZWATER/publications/rivhist/rivhist.html
