The Daily – Arizona’s Pipe Dream

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily,” the focus is on the groundwater crisis in Arizona and the potential solutions being explored to address the dwindling water supply. From the alarming rates at which Americans are pumping out groundwater to the proposed desalination plant and pipeline, the podcast delves into the complex challenges and decisions facing Arizona. The episode also touches on the environmental concerns and the impact on surrounding communities.

Main Takeaways

Groundwater Crisis in Arizona

• Americans are pumping out groundwater at alarming rates, which has reached a critical point.
• Groundwater is an essential source of water for much of the country, used for drinking, farming, and fueling modern society.
• In much of the country, there’s a problem with pumping groundwater too fast, putting many places at risk of running out.
• Arizona is at the forefront of the groundwater crisis, limiting new construction around Phoenix due to dwindling water supply.
• Developers seeking approval for new subdivisions have to find a source of water aside from groundwater.

Exploring Solutions: Desalination and Pipeline

• Arizona set up a new program to find new sources of water and has set aside a billion dollars to hire new staff to answer the question of where to find water.
• One idea they’re looking at is desalination, which is widely used in other parts of the world and involves taking salt out of ocean water to create drinkable water.
• An Israeli company, IDE Technologies, proposed building the largest desalination plant in the world to date in Mexico and delivering the desalinated water through a 200-mile pipeline to Phoenix.
• The cost of water could be up to 10 times higher, which would increase the cost of living in Arizona.
• Chuck Potalak, the head of Wiffer, will decide if the project is good for Arizona and if they should spend money on it.

Environmental Concerns and Impact on Communities

• Desalination plants pose a threat to sea life due to the concentration of salt.
• Dispersing waste brine in a narrow gulf could harm fish and wildlife.
• The proposed pipeline to transport water to Phoenix would cut a significant hole through the Oregon Pipes Catastown National Monuments, potentially impacting nearby communities.
• Advocacy groups are concerned about the potential impact on towns like Aho, which has a history of eviction and disenfranchisement.
• If the pipeline clears all hurdles and gets built, it would benefit the concentrated population in Phoenix but may have negative consequences for the surrounding areas.

Summary

Addressing the Groundwater Crisis

Americans’ excessive pumping of groundwater has led to a critical situation, particularly in Arizona. The state is facing a water crisis, with limited new construction due to the dwindling water supply. To find solutions, Arizona has set up a program and allocated funds to explore new sources of water. One potential solution being considered is desalination, with an Israeli company proposing to build the largest desalination plant in Mexico and transport the desalinated water through a 200-mile pipeline to Phoenix. However, this approach raises concerns about the environmental impact, particularly on sea life and communities near the pipeline route. Additionally, the cost of water could increase significantly, impacting the cost of living in Arizona.

Balancing Growth and Sustainability

Arizona’s growth has been a key driver of its economy and identity. However, the water shortage poses a challenge to sustaining this growth. While some fast-growing towns remain optimistic about the future, the debate has shifted to finding alternative sources of water. Conservation and living within the desert’s confines are seen as better long-term solutions. Building a 200-mile pipeline through ecologically important landscapes, such as the Oregon Pipes Catastown National Monuments, raises concerns about the impact on the environment and local communities. Ultimately, Arizona faces tough decisions about its future growth and how to engineer its way out of the groundwater crisis.

Conclusion

The groundwater crisis in Arizona highlights the urgent need for sustainable water management. While exploring solutions such as desalination and pipelines, it is crucial to consider the environmental impact and the well-being of surrounding communities. Balancing growth and sustainability requires careful decision-making and political buy-in. Arizona’s history of successfully tackling water projects gives hope that innovative solutions can be found. However, as climate change exacerbates water scarcity, the long-term viability of engineering our way around limits and constraints remains uncertain. The future of Arizona’s growth and the availability of water will depend on the choices made by individuals and society as a whole.