Will We Have Enough Water?

 

Water conservation is common practice in this very dry state. If you’ve lived in Arizona for any amount of time, you know we have a declining water supply.

 

But what measures are we taking to ensure enough water for decades to come?

 

Arizona Public Service (APS) is committed to carbon-free electricity. Since they are amongst the only companies that received a double-A score for their climate and water stewardship, they have a goal by 2050 to be 100 percent clean and carbon-free.

 

Carbon-free energy is the energy that is produced by generating no carbon emissions; the thing our cars emit. Hydroelectric plants are one of the ways Arizona is using this type of energy. As the water flows into the dam, it flows through a narrow pipe then pushes against turn blades in a turbine to spin a generator and produce electricity. The Hoover Dam and the Glen Canyon Dam were constructed for such resources. Our water supply comes from these dams through our canals. Learn more about our canals HERE.

 

The APS utility has been adding battery energy storage to its solar plants and expanding its renewable energy. They have signed an agreement that purchased 200 megawatts of additional wind energy. This has helped reduce the amount of groundwater consumption by 22 percent from 2014 to 2019. This utility is also used at Palo Verde Generating Station, the largest generator of carbon-free electricity in the U.S.

 

The Salt River Project (SRP) has created the Four Forest Restoration Initiative, which replenishes the state’s water supply through massive public-private reforestation. Reforestation helps with climate change. More trees mean less heat. They absorb the carbon dioxide that would otherwise be put back into the air. If the temperatures can stay consistent and lower, less energy would be used. This allows SRP to refrain from tapping into more water consumption that’s used for energy.

 

EPCOR is the proven leader in managing our water supply. They have secured up to 5.87 billion gallons of water supplies by signing an agreement with Maricopa Water District. This adds to the amount of surface and groundwater offered to Valley residents.

 

Be conscientious and use common sense when using water. Phoenix is now considered to be the hottest city, according to national climate data. With the heat comes less water. But if you are practicing conservation, you are headed in the right direction.

 

We all have to share this desert and showing a little care can go a long way.

 

To learn more about water conservation, CLICK HERE.