According to a report released by Sharon Megdal, Director of the Water Resources Research Center at the University of Arizona, identified water supplies are more than sufficient to support the growth projected by the Pima Association of Governments for the year 2030 – 1.5 million people.

 

Megdal also believes that we have the capacity to supply water for 25-57% more people than the project population of 1.5 million people. 

 

The Tucson metro area relies on a variety of sources for its water, including water supplied from the Central Arizona Project (CAP) and groundwater. Water from the Colorado River has been supplied to the Tucson area since 1993 through the CAP project – approximately 1.5 million acre feet (or ~488 million gallons) annually. Also in 1993, the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District was formed and tasked with replenishing groundwater supplies to ensure sustainability.

 

According to the report, per capita water use will decline over time due to innovations in new construction – mainly low-use plumbing. The combination of a decline in per capita water use with conservation efforts will allow the Tucson metro area to meet the needs of more than 1.5 million people. In addition to these innovations, Tucsonans must continue making efforts to conserve water and make the choice to invest in water reclamation infrastructure to achieve these assumptions.

 

Good news, indeed, for Tucson and southern Arizona!

 

 

Whether you’re a tourist or resident of Tucson there is an abundance of activities and sights to see.  Let’s begin with one of my favorites, Sabino Canyon.  A tram is available to ride up and down the canyon with a guide to entertain and inform.  I prefer to ride the tram up and to walk down.  There is an amazing array of birds and other wildlife and many and varied types of cacti to see.  It’s best to get to the canyon early in the day before it gets too warm.  Be sure to bring a picnic lunch along, there are many places to stop, to take in the awe inspiring rock formations.

 

Next stop is Mt. Lemmon.  Just take Catalina highway 30 miles through the Coronado National Forest and you’ll find yourself surrounded by pine trees and cold temperatures.  On your way to Mt. Lemmon stop at Windy Point Vista for scenic views of a beautiful mountain landscape.  Once there you’ll find many places to hike, fish and camp. 

 

On the far west side of town, 30 minutes from downtown Tucson, is the Desert Museum.  There you’ll find creatures of the desert in their natural habitat.  There are great interactive exhibits, hands-on animal demonstrations and an excellent hummingbird exhibit.  The great for adults and children of all ages.

 

If your tastes run to more exotic animals, try the Reid Park Zoo.  They’re open every day except Christmas from nine to four.  It’s best to get there early because the animals are more active when the temperatures are cooler.

 

Finally, to end the day on a southwestern note, have dinner at Pinnacle Peak in Trail Dust Town.  After dinner watch the western shootout show or ride the train through Trail Dust Town.  If you have any energy left there is plenty of shopping in this Old West type town.

 

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