ASU scientist addresses Arizona water security in wake of California reductions

An executive order for water use reductions issued by California Gov. Jerry Brown has many Arizonans questioning our own water future.

On April 15, senior sustainability scientist Dave White, co-director of ASU’s Decision Center for a Desert City, appeared on KJZZ’s “Here and Now” to address Arizona’s water security.

White, a professor in the School of Community Resources and Development in the College of Public Service and Community Solutions, contrasted California’s lack of foresight with the progressive water conservation measures taken by Arizona. Despite these measures, he encouraged keeping an eye on California’s dwindling supply.

“It’s important for us to watch the situation in California because we are all in this together,” White said. “While it does not affect us immediately and directly, it is indicative of the challenges that we face as a region within the Colorado River Basin.”

White went on to explain that, though Arizona water conservation has advanced in multiple sectors – particularly in the municipal sector – there is room for improvement and innovation. He provided in-home monitoring technologies and strong political leadership as examples.

“We need a robust conversation, among not only the water professionals but the broader public, about the potential tradeoffs and the investments that we need to make to ensure that our water supply is sustainable for the next 100 years.”

Hear the full segment via the link below.