Citizen's Role

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Change the Direction of Elected Officials

In the “Our Water Supply” section of the CWAG website, we have provided the evidence that the current water management approaches at the state, regional, and local levels are unsustainable:

• It is impossible to know how much water in the aquifer is accessible.
• The overdraft – depletion – of the aquifer is large and increasing.
• Natural recharge is declining and artificial recharge is not sufficient.
• More and more wells will be going dry and the base flow of the Verde River will continue to decrease.

We have identified actions to reduce the current overdraft and to ensure that water use by new developments will cause no additional harm to the aquifer. These actions include:

• Commitment by officials to address the water management challenges head-on, including determining which region-wide organization will be best.
• At the regional and local levels, prepare both long-range and short-term plans.
• Organize comprehensive water conservation programs for inside and outside buildings.
• Conduct feasibility studies of approaches for increasing water supplies, including stormwater recharge and water neutral developments.

Elected officials must take up the responsibility for these actions. They are the ones who hold the future of our children and grandchildren in their hands. 

What can we as citizens do? Two things.

First, we can influence current officials. The critical officials include mayors, council members, and Yavapai County Supervisors. Talk and/or write to these folks! Get acquainted, express your concerns, and focus on education. Identify why current policies and programs are taking us in the wrong direction. Highlight priority actions such as planning and transparency.

Second, at election time vote for candidates who promise to protect our water supply and the Verde River. Understand the views of announced candidates. Educate candidates about the problems and actions needed to achieve a sustainable future. Consider running for office yourself. 

We are faced with a marathon, not a sprint, to turn things around and make progress in protecting the aquifer and the upper Verde River. Join CWAG and, working together, we can make a difference.