COMMUNITY WATER COALITION
Draft 7.15.2010
Background: The T-Break Group has often discussed the importance of water resourcesrelated to maintaining natural system functions that contribute to our quality of life.We recently determined the issue requires focused attention in orderto develop a coordinatedvoice that represents the perspective of those with concern for natural systems andfuture water policy in southern Arizona. We determined that we can best achieve this focus through a formal coalition of interested parties. Since a number of other groups with an interest in water are working diligently to express their views regarding water, our efforts to identify and represent the conservationists’ perspective will allow us to better interface with other groups and hopefully work toward solutions that address all of our objectives. This will allow us to become more organized around the future of water policy in Arizona.
The Joint City and County Water and Wastewater Committee recommended a paradigm for water management based on emerging best Integrated Water Resource Management practices. They recommended that a sustainable future needs to balance the needs of people, economics, and our natural environment. They recognized that water in the State of Arizona is influenced by many factors at the local, regional, and state levels. To be successful, we need to consider sustainability, human and natural community issues, and the roles of different levels of government, including regulation and state water law. We also need to recognize that which already has been lost due to a disregard for the needs of the natural environment (e.g., natural systems of the Santa Cruz and Rillito rivers, the Colorado River and especially its delta).
VISION:
Southern Arizona will be a model community for sustainable use of water resources that embracesthe needs of people, and our natural and man-made economies. Balancing these needs will guide the outcomes of all policy decisions.
MISSION:
To become the recognized organization for our community that providesthe leadership and policy guidance to ensure future water supplies that support thriving communities, sustained business activity, and robust natural systemsin the Tucson metropolitan area and State of Arizona.
GOALS:
1)Develop a clear statement of the desired outcomes of future water policy in our region for those with an interest in healthy natural systems.
2)Educate the public regarding water issues so they can participate in decision-making regarding water planning and policy; articulate to the public and policy makers how our vision contributes to a water paradigm for the future.
3)Integrate the vision of those with an interest in healthy natural systems with those of other interest groups in our community, and work with these groups on win-win solutions to water resource issues.
4)Develop and use quantified values for natural resources (ecological services, wildlife, recreational, scenic, etc.) to better present these needs to residents, political officials, policy and decision makers, planners, and other interest groups such as the business community.
5)Take stock of the most important water-related projects and initiatives occurring in Arizona, and proactively contribute to water resources planning and water policies that are developed by local, regional, and state governing bodies, water providers, and other entities responsible for water policy
6)Support resources necessary to conduct a needs assessment for current and future residents, agriculture, industry, and natural systems.
7)Investigate water sustainability best practices to determine how they can be applied to Arizona water policy and planning.
a)(PG: this not a top-level goal, more an objective or strategy) Promote water conservation and the use of renewable or non-groundwater resources, including water harvesting, new technologies, effluent, and Central Arizona Project water.
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