WaterWater security experts at U Arizona annual conference

How can Arizona secure a safe, sustainable water supply for its current and future residents? The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center will take on this complex issue at its annual conference on 5 March.

Organized in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, the WRRC’s conference — Water Security, From the Ground Up —  will feature presentations and viewpoints from renowned water experts.

“This year’s conference will address issues that affect every Arizona resident,” said Sharon B. Megdal, director of the WRRC. “We’ve brought in prominent water professionals from Arizona, the Southwest, and around the world to speak on water sustainability, environmental implications of stressed water supplies, and policy options for decision makers.”

A University of Arizona release reports that the UA and WRRC are leaders in local, state and regional water arenas, promoting understanding of critical water management and policy issues through research, community outreach and education.

“Our annual conference allows us the opportunity to provide our attendees with valuable insights into both global and statewide efforts to secure and manage scarce water supplies,” Megdal said.

Why should Arizonans care about water security?

• Global water security perspectives are important in Arizona. Conference keynote speaker Anthony Cox of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development will discuss his global outlook on water security. Later in the program, panelist Elma Montaña, researcher and professor from Argentina’s National University of Cuyo, will discuss the social justice issues of water security.
• Climate change can impact Arizona’s water supply. Carly Jerla, program manager for the Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation), will discuss projected imbalances in water supply and demand in the Colorado River Basin — which includes Arizona – over the next fifty years, and proposed adaptation strategies to resolve those disparities.
• Arizona’s water issues are tribal issues, too. Katosha Nakai, Tribal Affairs and Policy Development Manager for the Central Arizona Project, will speak on how water issues are important to Native American tribes in our region.
• Innovative management can ensure future water supplies. Expert panelists will examine Arizona’s water management challenges and solutions.
• Take a look at Arizona’s water future. A lunchtime panel discussion will feature the perspectives of the next generation of water professionals on water security issues in our state.