2019-04-23 Overcommitted water supply in a warmer drier climate

Accelerated depletion of groundwater in the Prescott Active Management Area (PrAMA) — as well as above the headwaters of the upper Verde River — began in the mid-1990s. Climate analysis for Yavapai County and the Southwestern states gives evidence of a transition to a warmer and drier climate at the same time.

Citizens and government officials should be concerned that our warming and drying climate is now contributing to a diminished water supply.