KTAR News: Water Watch
KTAR News: Water Watch

KTAR News: Water Watch

KTAR News covers the state’s water usage, effects of an ongoing drought and what can be done to ensure water is available for people in the state of Arizona in the future. 

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Arizona set to lose 18% of Colo. River water allocation in 2026, more cuts likely under new operating guidelines

Arizona set to lose 18% of Colo. River water allocation in 2026, more cuts likely under new operating guidelines

Arizona will lose 18% of its Colorado River water allocation next year, as decided by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke says more cuts are likely as the basin states are up against a summer 2026 deadline to negotiate new operating guidelines. 

Three advanced water purification facilities being planned in the Valley to make sewage water drinkable

Three advanced water purification facilities being planned in the Valley to make sewage water drinkable

The City of Phoenix has plans to build three advanced water purification facilities throughout the Valley over the next few years. AWP takes treated wastewater and sends it through additional processes so it's drinkable again. With AWP water can be used over and over again. 

Tres Rios water oasis acts as a buffer for the Valley's treated wastewater

Tres Rios water oasis acts as a buffer for the Valley's treated wastewater

The manmade wetlands in Tolleson known as Tres Rios serves three purposes. Assistant Water Services Director for the City of Phoenix Nazario Prieto says it protects homes along the Salt River from flooding, serves as a habitat for wildlife and acts as a buffer for treated wastewater before it is discharged into the Salt River. 

91st Ave wastewater treatment plant cools nuclear plant and feeds Salt River

91st Ave wastewater treatment plant cools nuclear plant and feeds Salt River

Your sewage water is treated at the 91st Avenue wastewater treatment plant before it can be reused. Assistant Water Services Director Nazario Prieto says once the solids are separated from the liquids, half of the water goes to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station to cool the plant. And the other half is sent to the manmade wetlands know as Tres Rios before it's discharged into the Salt River. 

Center for Biological Diversity sues Ariz. Dept. of Water Resources, over Benson housing development

Center for Biological Diversity sues Ariz. Dept. of Water Resources, over Benson housing development

The Center for Biological Diversity has sued Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke over water concerns surrounding the Village of Vigneto housing development in south-eastern Benson, Arizona. Center co-founder Robin Silver says ground water pumping in Benson is sucking the river dry, adding the area lacks a 100-year assured water supply. 

Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke declined to comment on the pending litigation. You can read more water news at KTAR.com. Brought to you by AMWUA. 

City of Phoenix says most excess water use happens in your yard

City of Phoenix says most excess water use happens in your yard

The City of Phoenix shares tips for how to conserve water. And it turns out most excess water use is happening in your yard. Head to Phoenix.gov/savewater for more water saving tips. You can read more water news at KTAR.com brought to you by the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association. 

There's a "glimmer of hope" for the future of Arizona's water supply

There's a "glimmer of hope" for the future of Arizona's water supply

Water levels were dire in the Colorado River Basin until last year's strong winter season helped prevent a crisis. Here's howArizona's two major reservoirs should fare over the next year.

SRP and ASU team up on hydropower project

SRP and ASU team up on hydropower project

SRP and ASU have teamed up on a project to assess the condition of hydropower turbines using laser technology. 

KTAR Water Watch: ADEQ seeking input for Advanced Water Purification roadmapSRP outlines their hydropower investments, plans to expand capacity

SRP outlines their hydropower investments, plans to expand capacity

Water has been a difficult topic in Arizona for years, and in some cases it can be hard to come by. However, hydropower remains an important part of the state’s clean energy infrastructure.

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