Water (Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott: how much, new house, landscaping)

[dreamfollower]

What is the current drought forecast for AZ and its areas, and how does this compare to CA & NV?

I never knew relocating could be such a hassle, having to think of elements that are not as obvious in other states far east {not that I would want to go back, of course}.

Thanks.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by dreamfollower

What is the current drought forecast for AZ and its areas, and how does this compare to CA & NV?

I never knew relocating could be such a hassle, having to think of elements that are not as obvious in other states far east {not that I would want to go back, of course}.

Thanks.

What part of Arizona?

[drwnorth]

You may wish to check with the ultimate source for what will happen with the weather - Mother Nature.....

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by dreamfollower

What is the current drought forecast for AZ and its areas, and how does this compare to CA & NV?

I never knew relocating could be such a hassle, having to think of elements that are not as obvious in other states far east {not that I would want to go back, of course}.

Thanks.

Your best bet may be to Google 'drought', etc.

[BriansPerspective]

Try US Drought Monitor. It would appear that most of Arizona is not in a drought anymore.

[ArizonaBear]

Another source would be Arizona Water; it is an official government web site.

[crewbank]

I just watched a documentary on water in the SW (yes, I'm that much of a dork) and to my surprise, Phoenix can't use enough water to keep much of it from going to waste right now. This is a stark contrast to LA and Vegas, who are already on a drought red alert. Evidently, Carl Hayden swindled us a smoking water rights deal on the Colorado River some 50 years ago. Ergo, the 95 new lakes communities in town every year. This IS going to bite us in the ass eventually, but you'll notice nobody seems too concerned yet.

As for the rest of the state who are out of the CAP/SRP loop, they're pretty screwed. Look for more immigration into the city over the next decade for precisely that reason. Tucson is a completely different animal, and is slowly sinking into itself as the water table collapses despite influx from CAP. Those Ronstadts really did a number on that place.

[dreamfollower]

Great posts ~ Thank you.

I have a feeling that there will be migration to AZ from CA for many reasons, and it would not surprise me if water is last on the list.

I will check out the drought watch online, but that is good news about AZ. I hope that Mother Nature looks kindly on us all.

[BriansPerspective]

For what it's worth, I just listened to a presentation from the Citizens Water Advocacy Group last night. The gentleman stated that in the Little Chino Aquifer, from which Prescott and Prescott Valley are pumping their water, we are using about 11,000 acre-feet more water each year than is being recharged. I asked the gentlman how much water is in the Little Chino Aquifer and he claimed to not know (although he knew every other statistic). After doing my own research, I found a USGS Report that estimates that the aquifer holds 33 million acre-feet of water. Do the math and you will find that at the current rate of water usage, we have 3000 years of water. The Big Chino Aquifer next door to the north holds 155 million acre-feet, or 4.7 times as much water as the Little Chino Aquifer.

As I understand, current law states that no new subdivisions may be built within the Prescott Active Management Area (AMA) unless they bring in a new water source. So, given a moratoreum on building and given a wonderful place to live, expect housing prices to rise sharply in the coming years.

[Master Shake]

Keep in mind that most new houses in Arizona use desert landscaping, meaning very little to no grass. In fact, many have crushed gravel or rocks with a handful of low water usage plants & trees (native plants/trees that are used to drought conditions). Also, many new communities (like Maricopa City) use reclaimed (recycled/treated) water for 90+ percent of the public & community landscaping.

California & Nevada still have full lawns in the front & back, which use a tremendous amount of water (especially in the summer months) to keep alive & green. I remember hearing that Las Vegas was considering limiting the number of days that homeowners could water their grass -- similar to rationing!