Is it time to finally take the water situation serious? (Phoenix: property taxes, live in)

[goolsbyjazz]

I know this topic has been discussed, however, it seems like many of us who live in the greater Phoenix area are not really taking the threat seriously. When talk of the water shortage comes up, people just ignore it or say that our large underground aquifers are more than adequate to get us through. I am an avid outdoors person and often travel around to Lake Mead and other lakes throughout our wonderful state. What I have seen is that water levels are down all over. Maybe it's time we started taking these warnings serious?
Southwest Braces as Lake Mead Water Levels Drop

[cacto]

Half our water comes from the Salt which is fed by rain and snow in north and east AZ. "We" as a city could get more serious about conservation though.

[PhxMan500]

It seems as though municipalities are taking water supply very seriously. New communities and offices have very strict guidelines on water usage in new development. Reclaiming water and sewage treatment is expanding. Leed certification is carrying more importance.

I am sure your point is that we could do much more, like eliminating lawns altogether, promoting the removal of private pools, monitoring times people water, etc. According to AZ Department of Water Supply, agriculture uses 70% of the water in Arizona, so any changes residents make would only be a drop in the bucket so to speak.

What could be done to save water used for agriculture? I am sure there are unexplored options there that could save the entire southwest.

[Steve-o]

Conservation is an absolute must for the entire Southwest, but I see all the new pools and fountains being added, Vegas' over-the-top water shows, people watering non-native and drought-sensitive flora and I just scratch my head in bewilderment.

[Serenity1944]

I say get rid of some golf courses.

[Burning Madolf]

It doesn't even have to be called conservation. People (and communities) waste 10s of thousands (millions) of gallons every month because they are either too lazy, too stupid or just don't care to learn about proper water usage.

[Burning Madolf]

Originally Posted by PhxMan500

promoting the removal of private pools.

Sure, if I get reimbursed the full cost of installation along with the appropriate reval for property taxes purposes.

[cacto]

Maybe some kind of tax incentive for keeping your use below a certain amount. The moment you tell people in PHX they can't have lawns they'll start planting more grass.

[Minathebrat]

I've always been fond of the Japanese toilets that have the handwashing basin on top- so that you can wash your hands with the clean water flowing in to fill up the tank and then flush with the gray.

I don't understand why they're not more popular in areas where water conservation is important.

[bgray9]

Originally Posted by PhxMan500

It seems as though municipalities are taking water supply very seriously. New communities and offices have very strict guidelines on water usage in new development. Reclaiming water and sewage treatment is expanding. Leed certification is carrying more importance.

I am sure your point is that we could do much more, like eliminating lawns altogether, promoting the removal of private pools, monitoring times people water, etc. According to AZ Department of Water Supply, agriculture uses 70% of the water in Arizona, so any changes residents make would only be a drop in the bucket so to speak.

What could be done to save water used for agriculture? I am sure there are unexplored options there that could save the entire southwest.

Agreed that agriculture is they key to this discussion. When one sector uses two thirds or more of the water, it's only logical to focus most of the effort on that sector (while of course pursuing reasonable steps for all sectors).