AMWUA Blog
A defined look at water terminology
The water world is complex, diverse, and deep in terminology, which can confuse anyone who isn’t submerged in it regularly. When discussing anything about water – water quality, water sources and supplies, water management and policies, and the quality and delivery of your water – you are bound to run into acronyms as well as some words and phrases that sound foreign in regular conversations. So, ...
Dec 20 2022
The need for urgent action emphasized at Colorado River conferenceState and federal water leaders voiced urgency for decisive action to address the dire situation on the Colorado River at last week’s Colorado River Water Users annual conference in Las Vegas. Still, we remain without a specific plan of attack from Reclamation or consensus among the Basin States. What was made clear as federal, state, and local representatives gathered was that within a year or tw...
Dec 13 2022
The impact of Arizona’s long conservation historyAs the attention to water continues to intensify, the spotlight on conservation efforts grows. Some question what Arizona and municipal water providers are doing regarding water conservation, especially with the Colorado River shortage deepening....
Dec 06 2022
Trees play a vital role in our communitiesThere are many ways to enhance any landscape, but one of the most beneficial ways is with trees, especially desert-adapted ones that can thrive in our arid climate. While planting the correct type of tree will make an immediate visual impact because of its beauty, color, and texture, trees also bring many benefits when planted and cared for properly. Low-water-use trees provide social, communal, e...
Nov 29 2022
Accounting for evaporation and system losses needs to be part of managing the Colorado RiverAs Lake Mead and Lake Powell’s elevations continue to descend towards unprecedented low levels, the US Bureau of Reclamation has signaled it is considering more than one initiative to stabilize the Colorado River system. One of those actions is accounting for evaporation and other system losses, which would be a common-sense step in managing the River. ...
Nov 22 2022
Avoid a clog with proper disposal of holiday FOGPrepping for the holiday season always tends to be a bit more challenging with our elaborate menus and long to-do lists as we prepare to host, cook, and eat. This means that the kitchen is a busy place. No matter what your holiday menu might entail, it’s important to be sewer savvy so that your stretchy pants can be reserved for relaxing and not plunging....
Nov 16 2022
Water agencies unite to reduce demands on the Colorado RiverA historic drought, warmer climate, and overuse have all contributed to water levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell rapidly declining to an unprecedented point. While drastic cuts and a long-term plan across the Basin States are needed to protect the Colorado River system, municipalities understand the severity of the Colorado River situation. Now is the time to pursue further conservation actions w...
Nov 08 2022
Water is critical to our communities, health, safety, and overall survivalWater is essential to all aspects of our communities. It truly is the single most crucial resource in our lives. But imagine if your city could not deliver water to you and your family. Life would look much different for all of us....
Nov 01 2022
As temperatures drop, so should your outdoor wateringConserving water is what we do when we live in a desert, especially as pressures on our water supplies increase. While reducing your water use won’t solve the Colorado River shortage, conservation enables your city to maximize and stretch its water supplies. One way we can all help is by watering our yards efficiently and effectively – especially considering most of a household’s water use is outd...
Oct 25 2022
Cities understand the importance of providing accurate information on the Colorado River shortage to their communitiesThe Colorado River is undoubtedly facing a crisis, and uncertainty remains about how the Federal Government and the Basin States will stabilize the River. The US Bureau of Reclamation announced this month that it will use federal funds to incentivize Colorado River water users to leave water in Lake Mead. Unfortunately, without committed long-term reductions, this voluntary system conservation is ...