Arizona Water Resource March 1993

Home , Little Colorado River, Virgin River

AR! ZONA WATER RESOURCE

Volume 2, No. 2 March 1993 CAP Water Quality Strains Municipal Treatment Plants

LakePleasant behind the recently completed New Waddell Dam held some 150,000 acre-feet of water prior to the January-February storms. In early January, the Bureau of Reclama- tion asked the CAWCD to hold the elevation of Lake Pleasant constant for 30 days so the stability of the New Waddell Dam could be tested. Instead, the dam received a different, real-world test, as runoff from Janu- ary-February storms increased the volume of Lake Pleasant to nearly 450,000 acre-feet. Reservoir capacity is 800,000 acre-feet. Some of the water captured behind the dam would otherwise have contributed to downstream flooding. This year's high quail population ¿s the result ofplentzful rainfall last year. This season 's After the storms subsided, CAWCD abundant rains bode wellfor quail next year.(Photo: UA Ag. Communications) switched from pumped Colorado River water to gravity-fed Lake Pleas- ant water as the source for deliveries Arizona Seeks Share of Virgin River System to municipal customers, thereby saving millions in energy costs (see occurrencesin the relatively undeveloped and lightly populated nohwest continued on page 7 corner of Arizona are not hot items on the state's water management agenda. Yet critical water management issues are to be resolved there, and how they are decided will determine the area's current access to water supplies, its future development potential, and also will affect the natural environment of the area. CONTENTS Northwest Arizona is located near rapidly expanding population centers in neighboring Utah and Nevada. The Virgin River is a shared resource. Originating high on the Markagunt Plateau above Cedar City, Utah, it flows Communications 3 through the canyons of Zion National Park. The river then cuts across 35 miles of the northwest corner of Arizona before entering Nevada where it emp- News Briefs 4 ties into Lake Mead on the Colorado River.

Legislation & Law .. . 5 Of the three states with interest in the Virgin River, Utah, with its head- waters, obviously is in the best position to develop the river. With no inter- Special Projects 6-7 state Virgin River compact in place, some observers fear Utah will exploit the Publications 8 river, to the disadvantage of downstream users, possibly diverting the entire flow. Some people argue that a Virgin River compact is late in coming because Transitions 9 Utah benefits from the status quo. Announcements . 9, 12 Utah plans to use the Virgin River to help support rapid development occurring in Washington County, located in southwest Utah.St. George is the Calendar 10-11 continued on page 2

WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH CENTER COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA 2 Arizona Water Resource March 1993

Virgin River conk from page 1 As a water supply issue, the Virgin River is of lesser importance to most Arizona area residents than Beaver Dam fastest growing city in the state, with its present population Wash, whose water quality generally is good and lacks the of about 45,000 expected to increase to between 100,000 to salinity that limits Virgin River water use. Beginning in 500,000 within 60 years. Nevada it runs south through Utah along the Beaver Dam To accommodate this growth the Washington County Mountains, before flowing through a small reach of Arizona Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) plans a Virgin River and draining into the Virgin River at Littlefield. dam and reservoir. Preliminary work involves identifying The Mesquite Farmstead Water Association MFWA), a possible dam sites.If constructed, such a dam could divert Nevada water company, has purchased land near the Arizo- the entireflowof the river before it reaches Arizona. na town of Beaver Dam and has filed with DWR for the After leaving Utah and passing through Arizona, the right to transport water to Nevada. The $1.3 million pipe- Virgin River flows into Nevada. Nevada wants the Bureau line would carry 3,000 gallons a minute from the Beaver of Reclamation to construct a plant to desalinate the highly Dam Wash aquifer to the rapidly growing Mesquite area. saline Virgin River as part of the agency's strategy to control Arizona law allows an out-of-state transfer if Arizona users Colorado River salinity. Salinity would thus be reduced are not affected. Nevada claims they would not be. and, not incidentally, additional water resources wouldflow Residents in the Littlefield area do not agree and fear to Las Vegas. Any Virgin River water rights allocated to approval of Nevada's request would deplete their existing Nevada would ensure instream flow through Arizona. wells for irrigation and personal use. Some 100 wells in the With active and aggressive interests upstream and down- area pump about 6,000 acre-feet per year (af/yr). Area stream planning to use the river, what then is Arizona's growth is projected to increase pumping from the aquifer. stake in the river? Arizona is the source of much of the The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the U.S. flowof the Virgin River, with 2,970 square miles of the Wildlife Service also oppose the request, from concern that river's drainage basin within the state. Most of this drainage, surface flow in the wash would be impacted. BLM has filed however,flowsinto Nevada and Utah river stretches. an instream flow request for Beaver Dam Wash and, if Unlike neighboring states, Arizona does not have a large approved, would require that sufficient instream water re- population center in need of Virgin River water. Littlefield, main. Beaver Dam Wash is perennial in Arizona along a populaûon of about 800, is located along the river and uses one-mile reach upstream of its junction with the Virgin very limited river water for irrigation. Some area residents River and has an annualflowof 5,400 af/yr at its mouth. claim Virgin River water might be needed for future devel- A Beaver Dam Wash dam jointly planned by WCWCD opment. A resort and two golf courses presently exist, with and MFWA further threatens Arizona downstream users of plans for possibly four more golf courses. the wash. Water from the proposed dam would be for The Virgin River's high salinity discourages more exten- residents of St. George and Mesquite. Consequences of the sive Arizona use. Upstream in Utah the river is consider- proposed dam to Arizona residents are being studied. Some ably less saline and therefore more potable. The river gains fear a dam could dry up the wash for downstream users. salinity as it heads downstream. In September officials from Utah, Nevada, and Arizona The Virgin River in Arizona is valued mainly for non- met to address concerns. A memorandum of understanding consumptive purposes. With rivers, streams, and wetlands was adopted to collect and share water resource information occupying less than one half of one percent of Arizona's on the Virgin River system. One result of the meeting is a territory, a perennial flow such as the Virgin River is a rare U.S. Geological Survey study to measure the water supply in and valued natural attraction. The riverflowsthrough an Beaver Dam Wash and segments of the Virgin River. area of extreme geologic faulting and folding, through can- Some concerned people consider this a too modest begin- yons 300 to 500 feet deep, revealing numerous layers of the fling to the critically needed task of establishing a Virgin earth and providing varied spectacular scenery. River compact or management plan among the three states. The Virgin River is home to the woundfin minnow and the Virgin roundtail chub, both federally listed species. Habitat is provided for the peregrine falcon, spotted bat and How Wet Was It? common black-hawk. Various wildlife, including desert big- December 1992 through February 1993 horn sheep, drink from its waters. 26.38 25- Actual Normal Noting the river's scenic, geologic, aquatic and riparian Io w attractions, the Arizona Strip Bureau of Land Management 20- (BLM) determined the Arizona segment of the Virgin River to be eligible for Wild and Scenic designation. Further, BLM requested from the Arizona Department of Water 10.02 9.78 Resources DWR) instream flow rights for almost the entire w a- 4.56 Arizona segment of the Virgin River. 5- 2.64 DWR currently is considering the BLM requests. Any 0 EA Arizona instream designation would greatly concern Utah. Flagstaff Phoenix Tucson Yuma March 1993 Arizona Water Resource 3

As to the major challenges she will We hear many fascinating, usually face and any objectives she may take to undocumented stories from "sources" the new position, Ms. Rieke declined who refuse to be quoted. Usually, we to get specific. She did acknowledge ignore them. This time, however, we that western water use efficiency will contacted Frank Mertely, Manager of Communications be high on the list, and that she will be the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Commu- looking at the natural resource value of nity. Mertely described extensive pre- Thenomination of Elizabeth Ann recreation and wildlife. In addition, cautions taken to prevent landfill ero- Rieke to the position of Assistant her responsibilities in overseeing the re- sion and efforts made to control it Secretary of Interior for Water and search-oriented Bureau of Mines will once Salt River flows of 80 to 90,000 Science leaves a void in the Arizona thrust her into mining reform issues. cfs topped the shot rock berm. He water community. Governor Syming- That Rieke was being considered estimated that only two percent of the ton moved quickly to name a new for the position was an open secret for landfill eroded, far below the one-third director of the Department of Water some time, with her qualifications figure, and even less than Arizona Resources (see Transitions, page 9); obvious to all. Nevertheless, she insists Department of Environmental Quali- however, Betsy's departure comes at a she never dreamed the job might be of- ty's estimate of 140,000 cubic yards. crucial time for efforts to resolve sever- fered. Now that she has it, her only Mr. Mertely went on to say that al of the state's most pressing water lament is that she will miss Arizona, bank protection along the landfill is issues. A WR interviewed the Assistant her home for 25 years. Arizona's being improved to withstand a flow of Secretary nominee as she prepared to water community will miss her, too. 170,000 cfs, well over the estimated depart Arizona for Washington, D.C. 130,000 cfs peak flow of last month. Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Rieke was Our special flood supplement in last Also, the landfill long has been sched- appointed director of ADWR in April month's A WR contained a factual uled to close this October, to be re- 1991. She previously had served as error. We stated that one-third of the placed by a new landfill located half a Deputy Legal Counsel for ADWR Tn-Cities Landfill on the Salt River mile outside the flood plain. The from 1982 to 1985 and as Chief Legal Pima-Maricopa Reservation was eroded existing landfill is to be capped with Council from 1985 to 1987. From by the Salt River, a figure used in both soil and used for recreational purposes. 1987 until her return to ADWR in newspaper and TV coverage of the Ed Fox, director of ADEQ, agrees 1991, Betsy practiced water law with flood. Efforts to have one of our re- the one-third figure was too high, but the firm of Jennings Strouss & Salmon. porters inspect the landfill to confirm stands by the department's estimate of Rieke's immediate concern for this were rebuffed by authorities. 140,000 cubic yards. He also said that ADWR is that the transition to a new An employee of one of the land- the eroded material was not solely director be quick and smooth so as not fill's customers called to say that less construction debris as claimed, but to disrupt or delay a series of ADWR than five percent of the landfill was included some municipal waste as well. initiatives, including restructuring of washed downstream. He also claimed the CAP, promulgation of the Assured that water diverted by an upstream Sharp-eyed readers with an appreci- Water Supply rules, and legislative gravel operation was partially responsi- ation of fonts will notice a change in efforts to create an acceptable alterna- ble. He was unwilling, however, to A WR's appearance. We have switched tive to the Groundwater Replenish- say anything on the record, citing from Times Roman to Garmond Anti- ment District. Other areas of concern pending litigation over the incident. qua and now are printing at. 600 dpi. mentioned include instream flow rights, the legislatively mandated riparian study, efforts to settle Indian water Arizona Water Resource is published monthly, except for rights claims, and discussions involving January and August, by the University of Arizona's Water Arizona, California and Nevada regard- Resources Research Center. A WR accepts news, announce- ing lower-basin Colorado River water. 1I ments and other information from all organizations con- Despite loose ends in Arizona, cerned with water. Material must be received by the 14th of the month to be Rieke looks forward to new challenges published in the following month's issue. Subscriptions are free upon request. in Interior, where she will be responsi- ble for the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Bu- Arizona Water Resource Staff Arizona Water Resource reau of Mìnes. She described the other Editor: Joe Geh Water Resources Research Center announced Interior nominees as "clear- Reporter: Todd Sargent College of Agriculture ly a forward-looking team of very Calendar: Nìcolle Lahr The University of Arizona capable people," and predicted that the Publisher: Gary Woodard 350 North Campbell Avenue team will operate in an exciting atmo- Tucson, Arizona 85719 sphere of intellectual ferment. WRRC Director:Hanna J. Cortuer 602-792-959 1; FAX 602-792-8518 4 Arizona Water Resource March 1993

dation of former Arizona Supreme but continuing to express interest are Court Judge Frank X. Gordon on the Salt River Project, which got a resolving the gaming issue proves that congressional delay in its deadline until the state cannot be trusted to deal June 1, and ASARCO's Tucson unit, News Briefs fairly with the tribes. which is expressing interest depending Tohono O'odham attorney general on the price set for the water. Instream Flow David Frank stressed that while the This round of contracting was a Permit Update tribes were pulling out of CAP Task prerequisite to reallocating CAP water. Force discussions and other negotiations with state agencies, discussions Flooding Continues in .ADWRhas been active in recent with local and federal agencies would months in the Instream Flow Permit continue. The Tohono O'odham Lower Gila Basin process. Nine permits and two certif- Nation is negotiating a lease of its icates have been issued as of January CAP water with Tucson. Veathercontinues to dominate Ar- 1993. The most recent of these are Secretary of Interior Babbitt is izona's water news, with winter pre- permits on Pinto Creek in Gua Coun- attempting to resolve the gaming im- cipitation across the state averaging ty, and Hot Springs Canyon in passe, with talks scheduled with parties four times normal (see box, page 2). Cochise County. on both sides of the issue. Flooding in central and southern Ari- Work is progressing on eight appli- zona in January and February was cations throughout the state, with a Oro Valley Votes to followed by flash floods in the Flag- third hydrologist having been assigned staff and Sedona areas. Flood flows to this program. The U.S. Fish and Consider Water Options have reached the lower Gila River, Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land causing considerable additional damage. Management and the Forest Service are Residents of theTown of Oro Valley Record flows in the Gila created an actively pursuing numerous permits on voted overwhelmingly on March 9 to 85-square-mile lake behind Painted their lands as is the Nature Conser- authorize the town council to look Rock Dam, inundating the Gua Bend vancy. Several private landowners also into the feasibility of purchasing or Indian Reservation (see photo, page 6). are pursuing applications. There cur- forming a water utility. The issue was Flows in the normally dry 90-mile rently are 57 applications pending. approved by 79 percent of voters, with stretch of the Gila between the dam Most new prospective applications are a turnout for the special election of 25 and the Colorado River flooded 15,000 in the Tucson and Phoenix AMAs. percent. acres of prime farm land, closed all Some of the outstanding issues The township's 10,000 residents bridges, and forced the evacuation of currently under consideration by the currently are served by four providers: some 3,000 persons. Department are:1) Are cienegas eligi- Tucson Water, Metropolitan Domestic Preliminary damage estimates ble for instream flow protection?2) Water Improvement District, Cañada suggested that up to $10 million in Should permits be issued on regulated Hills Water Company and Rancho produce, much of it lettuce, might be streams? and 3) Should permits be Vistoso Water Company. Both private lost to the flood waters Damage to issued on effluent dominated streams? water companies reportedly are for irrigation canals, bridges, homes and For more information, contact sale. other structures plus the need to re- Greg Bushner or Tom Harbour at level fields threatened to bring the ADWR 602-542-1586. CAP Contracts Signed, total to near $100 million. In addition, the flood might impede planting of Tribes Link Gaming, Declined this year's crops, and rising groundwater levels threatened to lift salts up to State Water Issues .Another deadline for signing CAP the root zone. subcontracts has passed, with some Some area residents blamed envi- Effortsby Governor Symington to signed, others not, and a couple in ronmentalists for a decision made in block casino gambling on Indian reser- limbo. Of the 24 outstanding con- 1960 not to supplement the earthen vations and the Legislature's passage of tracts for 120,000 acre-feet per year, 14 dam with a channelization project that a bill to outlaw casino-type games have contracts for 56,000 acre-feet were might have handled current flows. led several tribes to withdraw from signed, including exchange contracts The project was killed due to high water-rights negotiations with the state. with ASARCO's Ray mine and Cyp- costs and because it would have elimi- The boycott was organized by the rus's Miami mine, and the City of nated riparian habitat for two species. chairmen of the Tohono O'odham, Nogales. Rio Rico's acceptance of a Others noted that, but for Painted White Mountain Apache and Pasqua CAP contract is conditional pending Rock Dam, damage to homes and Yaqui tribes, who claim that the gover- the sale of Citizens Water. fields on the Gua Bend reservation nor's refusal to accept the recommen- Among those not signing contracts might have been minimized. March 1993 Arizona Water Resource 5

charge project must be a facility de- features that fail to take into account signed and constructed for that pur- the number of residences behind each TTÌT pose, is dead. The so-called "leaky meter. The industry also wanted lakes bill" was sought by Dobson retroactive elimination of water devel- Ranch Homeowners, which allowed opment fees not based on projected Legislation & Law the bill to die after ADWR agreed to water demand of the new develop- changes in the way their lakes were ment, such as Mesa and Phoenix im- Following is an update of the status managed. pact fees based solely on the number ofselected water-related bills before the of residences. Arizona Legislature.See the February H.B. 2253, which would have rede- 1993 issue ofAWRfor descriptions and fined small municipal providers as Bills continuing to receive the most short titles of bills. those delivering less than 10,000 acre- attention are H.B. 2100, which sunsets feet per year, effectively exempting the Groundwater Replenishment Dis- No significant water-related legislation most providers from the bulk of trict legislation in Maricopa County as has passed to date. Many bills still are ADWR's conservation requirements, is of July 1, 2000 if no district is formed working their way through the system, dead, at least for this year. by that time, and S.B. 1425, which but a number of bills have died. creates an alternative Central Arizona S.B. 1336, which would have allowed Groundwater Replenishment District S.B. 1053, ADWR's omnibus water formation of an international AMA (see February A WR, p. 1).S.B. 1425, amendments, and S.B. 1260, which incorporating Nogales, is dead; its which is supported by ADWR, devel- would allow formation of a Pinal companion memorial, S.C.M. 1004, is opers, private water companies and the County water augmentation authority moving and likely will pass. Central Arizona Water Conservation modelled after the Tucson AMA au- District, passed out of the Senate on a thority, both are progressing.S.B. S.B. 1380 on effluent storage and reuse 27-O vote. Opposition by cities still is 1359, which alters the way two of the was never heard. This bill introduced expected, and may take the form of a 13 board members of the Santa Cruz on behalf of Tucson Water would have last-minute attempt to form a Ground- Valley Water District (formerly the given credits for in-stream recharge of water Replenishment District. Tucson Active Management Area effluent, but came along too late to Water Authority) are elected, has been generate support. amended to remove the district's prop- Homeowners Challenge erty tax authority. A bill recommended by last year's CAP Task Force died when the Ap- Tucson Water's Remote H.B. 2073, which would have amend- propriations Chairman in the House Area Surcharges ed the original recharge statute so as to refused to hear it.This bill, which eliminate the requirement that a re- may come back to life, would have TucsonWater has reached a tentative allowed the state land department to settlement with two subdivisions who pay liens on state land imposed when filed suit in 1991 alleging that the lessees failed to make CAP payments. "remote service" surcharges imposed Such authority is necessary for the by the water department discriminated land department to sell such land. against long-term residents and those using more water. The surcharge was H.B. 2015 would require approval by based on water usage despite being a city or town prior to the sale of any designed to recoup system develop- private water company serving that ment costs. city or town. The bill passed out of Residents of the Ventana Canyon the House and had a committee hear- subdivision and Midvale Farms have ing in the Senate, after which it was paid nearly $2 million in surcharges referred to subcommittee. over the last 10 years. Under the proposed settlement, residents would Two bills backed by the multi-housing not be refunded the surcharges, but the industry have died. H.B. 2334 dealt 1,800 Tucson Water customers no with water and sewer rates, while H.B. longer would be assessed surcharges. 2309 dealt with development fees. The Details of the agreement still must industry objects to rate structures that be worked out and it must be ap- effectively discriminate against apart- Flooded Saguaro in Painted Rock reser- proved by Tucson's City Council. voir (Photo: B. Tellman, AWR) ment complexes by providing lifeline 6 Arizona Water Resource March 1993

Colorado indicate that the sediment agencies now share jurisdictional au- transport from the January storms thority or regulatory responsibilities increased the storage volume of sand in along the river. A piecemeal approach this reach of the river. Other reaches to river planning has ruled in the past. Special Projects of the Colorado River also showed Local interests are represented in significant changes in sand storage due the study by a 14-member Executive Committee, a 19-member Management Jndzvi4uals and organizations in- to sediment inputs from the major Committee and a 37-member Study volved in water-related studies, pilot tributaries. Interest Group which includes mem- projects and applied research are invited For more information on tributary to submit inforniation for this section. inputs to the Colorado River, contact bership from Maricopa County and Bob I-Tart, USGS, Flagstaff, 602-556- city governments, local, state and 7136. federal agencies, industry, Indian corn- Tributary Inputs to munities, agricultural interests and Colorado River Studied Salt-Gila Master environmental groups. Members partic- Plan Studied ipate on a regular basis in project TheWater Resources Division of the activity planning and review. The Maricopa Audubon Society, United States Geological Survey A'atercourseMaster Plan is in the the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the (USGS), Flagstaff Office, is measuring works for 72 linear miles along the Salt Arizona Department of Environmental the magnitude and frequency of and Gua Rivers from Granite Reef Q uality, and the Arizona Game and streamfiow and sediment contributions Diversion Dam to Gillespie Dam, the Fish Department are represented on from major tributaries to the Colorado most populated reach of the river. River in the Grand Canyon. These the Study Management Committee to The purpose of the plan is to provide a ensure that efforts to preserve and include the Paria and Little Colorado regional perspective on development enhance the river's environmental Rivers and the Bright Angel, Kanab, along the floodplain. A master plan values are considered. and Havasu Creeks. USGS also is study effort is the first step. The Maricopa Flood Control Dis- studying changes in sand deposition The master plan will view the river trict is heading the project, and Wood- and distribution in pools on the main as a continuous system to be compre- ward-Clyde Consultants have been channel of the Colorado River immedi- hensively planned so that future land hired to perform the study. ately below these tributaries. The uses will be compatible with each Public involvement is planned, with collected data are to provide informa- other and the river system. Nine cities meetings to be scheduled for March tion for a physically-based flow and and various state, federal and local and May, 1993. For more information sediment transport model for the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. These tributaries contribute significant amounts of sediment during flood flows from prolonged periods of pre- cipitation. The heavier sand particles are deposited in mainstem pools of the Colorado River below the confluence of the tributaries. Depending upon the frequency and magnitude of the flood flows, significant concentrations of sand particles can accumulate in these pools. The sand then can be re-deposited to eddy and lateral beaches in the Canyon; however, sufficient flows need to exist in the Colorado. Re- deposition of these sediments benefits Grand Canyon camping beaches and its riparian habitat. The prolonged January storm caused a 100-year flood volume event in the Little Colorado River basin, resulting in the deposition of significant amounts of sediment in the Colo- rado River. Measurements in the river Citrus Valley Road disappears into Arizona's newest lake behind Painted Rock Dam. below its confluence with the Little The lake inundated much of Gita Bend Indian Reservation. (Photo: B. Teilman, AWR) March 1993 Arizona Water Resource 7 or to be placed on the Salt-Gila River CAP Qualitycorn. from page 1 water from Lake Pleasant into the Watercourse Master Plan mailing list, aqueduct system for up to six weeks. contact John Svechovsky at the Flood February A WR,p.8). Unfortunately, While recognizing the problems being Control District of Maricopa County, the flood waters behind New Waddell experienced by municipal customers, 2801 West Durango Street, Phoenix, Dam contained high levels of solids they point out that the water quality Arizona 85009; 602-506-1501. and organics, causing considerable of flood flows in the Bill Williams problems for the operators of munici- River at its confluence with the Colo- Cattails Treat pal water treatment plants. rado River immediately upstream of CAP input water at the treatment the CAP intake was as bad or worse Stormwater Runoff plants was described variously as re- than water quality of Lake Pleasant. sembling coca-cola or coffee and tests The treatment problems that began in Tiheeffectiveness of using cattails to at the plants revealed elevated levels of mid-January and persisted through treat stormwater runoff from a organics and bacteria. Turbidity levels, February eventually will abate. Maricopa County vehicle maintenance which normally are in the range of 2 Some municipal water providers, yard is being tested. The project relies or less, initially went as high as 28 however, are not viewing the current on a Submerged Vegetative Treatment before decreasing into the 8-12 range. situation as a temporary problem System (SVTS). Cities responded to the lower- caused by winter floods, but rather as The SVTS is an open concrete box quality water in different ways. Those the consequences of CAWCD policy structure separated down the middle cities with alternative supply sources decisions that coincidentally have been with soil, gravel and cattails Çrypha like Mesa, reduced or eliminated taking exacerbated by the floods. In winter latifolia) placed inside. The soil/gravel CAP water, replacing it with ground. months, when demand is low, water in matrix is intended to perform two water or SRP water. Other cities lìke the CAP canal usually is clear, but in functions:1) Provide mechanical re- Phoenix, Glendale and Scottsdale, the high-demand months of June moval of oil/grease contaminants; and continued accepting some CAP water. through August, the increased velocity 2) Support cattails for growth. Glendale used its settling basins to help of water in the aqueduct erodes the silt The goal of this system is also two- dal with the problem by using high that has settled to the bottom of the fold. For the first nine to 12 months, levels of alum in the basins, an option canal, increasing turbidity and the the SVTS will mechanically capture that Phoenix and some others did not amount of chemicals needed to clarify and remove oil and grease either by have. At the end of the canal, Tucson and disinfect the water. adsorption onto the soil/gravel surface Water was bracing to begin receiving CAWCD reportedly plans to or by slowing the flow and allowing Lake Pleasant water, confident it could pump Colorado River water through oil/grease laden particulates to settle handle the turbidity and high levels of the system during winter months out. During this time, the cattails will organics due to its ability to pre-treat when power rates are low, both for be establishing an extensive root sys- raw water with coagulants in its im- direct delivery to customers and into tem. This system will allow for oxygen poundment reservoir, and the flexibili- Lake Pleasant. This water then will be transfer between the plant material and ty of its ozonation-chloramination released from behind New Waddell the water column at depth. This aero- treatment process. Dam for power generation and deliv- bic zone (rhizosphere) should promote In general, use of chemicals such as ery to customers in summer months the establishment of aerobic bacteria chlorine in the treatment process had when power rates are higher. As a capable of using the hydrocarbons as a to be greatly increased, in some cases result, water in the aqueduct will nutrient source. It is anticipated that through jury-rigged setups. Operators switch from Colorado River water to a the first year of operation will be a had to switch from using low levels of mixture of Colorado and Agua Pria seasoning period for the system. ferric chloride to triple the normal River water and back each year, pro- One side of the SVTS was left void concentration of alum to settle out ducing changes in turbidity, pH, alka- of cattails to establish a control for solids, which both increased treatment linity, and organics. assessing the effectiveness of the ones costs and produced an alum sludge that One treatment plant manager that were planted. Approximately is difficult to dispose of. In some noted that this mode of operation seven inches of soil were used instead cases, the sludge was backwashed into benefits agricultural and other CAP of cattails. Sampling will be conducted the CAP aqueduct, a practice that users by maximizing net power reve- along the length of both sides of the affects users further down the canal nues, but burdens municipal users by SVTS system to compare both sides of and which may require a federal per. imposing higher treatment costs on the treatment system. mit if water in the aqueducts is de- them during seasons of increased de- For additional project information clared to be «waters of the United mand. Treatment plant operators and contact Roland Ross, Maricopa Flood States."Delivered water, while meet- managers interviewed for this story Control District, 602-506-1501. ing potable water standards, did not were unanimous in calling for discus- look, taste or smell as good as usual. sions with CAWCD regarding water CAWCD staff planned to release quality impacts of CAP operations. Arizona Water Resource March 1993

ry according to a just-released U.S. Geological Survey report. According to R.D. MacNish, senior author of the report and District Chief at the Tucson USGS, the most unusual aspect of the flooding was the total volume of the flow rather than Publications the instantaneous peak flow, which is the more typical measure used to describe flood magnitude. Flood volumes along some stretches of Arizona rivers, e.g., the Rillito Wetlands Water, Wildlife, Plants and People Creek in Tucson and the Gua River above San Carlos Reser- This wall-sized (2 by 3 foot) illustrated poster is intended to voir, were as much as three times as large as floods that have help grade and middle school students understand what one chance in 100 of occurring in any given year. Micro- wetlands are and how they benefit humans and wildlife. fiche $4; paper $1.50. Copies of the free posters can be obtained from USGS, Books and Open-File Reports Section, Box 25425, Denver Geohdrologic reconnaissance of Lake Mead Nztional Recre Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225-0425. Teachers are asked ation area - Virgin River, Nevada, to Grand Wash Cl to write on official school letterhead and to designate the Arizona quantity of color (recommended for teacher use) and black- J.T. Bales and R.L. Laney. This report describes the geo- and-white (recommended for student use) copies requested hydrology in the above area and identifies potential locations and to indicate grade school or middle school. for developing groundwater supplies in the Lake Mead Rec- reation Area. USGS Water-Resources Investigations Report The following three U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 91-4185. Microfiche $4.75; paper $12. (EPA) publications are available from the National Small Flows Clearing House.Call 1-800-624-8301 ro request publications. Soil moisture and remotely sensed spectral data in a partial canopy cotton field at the Maricopa Agricultural Center, l'ina! The Andrew W Breidenbach Env,wzmental Research Center County, Arizona,198e Small Systems Resource Directoy Sandra J. Owen-Joyce. The report describes a comparison of Part of EPA's Office of Research and Development, the soil moisture and remotely sensed surface temperature center issued this directory to help people access the latest collected from an aircraft over a partial canopy cotton field. research in drinking water, municipal wastewater, solid and USGS Water-Resources Investigations Report 92-4133. hazardous waste management, and multidisciplinary projects. Microfiche $4; paper $5. To receive the free director request Item #FMPCGN11. Allow $2 for postage and handling. Hrologk data from the study of acidic contamination in the Miami Wash-Final Creek area, Arizona, water yeais 1990-91 Wastewater Treatment/Disposal for Small Communities S.A. Longsworth and A.M. Taylor. This report contains A general guide for small communities, this manual includes hydrologic data collected October 1989 through September chapters on planning and management of a project, site 1991 and includes water-chemistry data from 29 wells and 2 evaluation considerations for land application systems, waste- surface water sites. USGS Survey Open-File Report 92-468. water èharacteristics, and technology options. Request Item Microfiche $4; paper $9.50. #WWBKDM7O and allow $2 for shipping and handling.

Do More With Score Artona Water Resource is financed in part by Published by EPA's Small Community Outreach and Educa- sponsoring agencies, including: tion program (SCORE), this full-color foldout poster-directory provides names, addresses, and telephonenumbers for 140 Arizona Department of Environmental Quality organizations, agencies, and other components of the Arizona Department of Water Resources SCORE network dedicated to helping small communities meet their wastewater treatment needs. Request item Arizona Municipal Water Users Association #WWBLPEO3 and allow $2 for shipping and handling. Central Arizona Water Conservation District The following four publications are available for inspection at Salt River Project U.S. Geological Survey offices in Tucson, Tempe, Yuma and Tucson AMA Water Augmentation Authority Flagstaff and may be purchased from USGS, Books and Open- Tucson Water File Services Section, P.O. Box 25425, Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225. USGS Water Resources Division Water Utilities Association of Arizona Floods in Ar,zona, January 1993 R.D. MacNish, C.F. Smith, and K.E. Goddard. The January floods in Arizona were the worst since the turn of the centu- Their con.tríbutions help make continued publica- tion of this newsletter possible. March 1993 Arizona Water Resource 9

nity wastewater technologies and pro- t' vide legal information. Transitions The EPA-funded NSFC is part of Announcements the West Virginia University National Betsy Riele's nomination to the Research Center for Coal and Energy's position of Assistant Secretary of International Riprap Environmental Services and Training Interior for Water and Science and her Workshop Scheduled Division. Call 800-624-8301 for a free departure from the Department of information packet with an overview Water Resources is discussed in Corn- of the NSFC and its services. munkations on page 3. A summary of The1993 International Riprap Work- the new lineup at the Department of shop will be held July 12-16 at Fort Funds Available for Interior and update on Arizonans Collins, Colorado. It will include going off to D.C. to serve in the new technical sessions on forces causing Conservation/Ecology administration will be provided in the erosion, geotechnical considerations, Studies April issue of Arizona Water Resource. materials properties, and environmental aspects of riprap. Practical case he National Fish and Wildlife studies, a hands-on riprap design work- T The newly nominated director of the Foundation seeks proposals for match- shop and a technical/social full-day Arizona Department of Water Resour- ing grants for fish, wildlife, and plant tour also are planned. ces is Rita Pearson, an attorney who conservation programs. Proposal Early registration deadline is March has been serving as Governor Syming- deadlines are the 15th of April, Au- 31, with $240 fee. For more informa- ton's deputy chief of staff and execu- gust, and December 1993. For more tion contact Janet Lee Montera, De- tive assistant for the environment and information contact National Fish and partment of Civil Engineering, Colora- natural resources. Wildlife Foundation, 1120 Connecticut do State University, Fort Collins, CO Pearson, 36, is a three-time gradu- Ave. NW, #900, Washington, D.C. 80523; 303-491-7727. ate of ASU, with B.S., MBA, and Law 20036; 202-857-0166. degrees. A research analyst for the Also, the Environmental Protection state Senate from 1981 to 1985, Pear- Arizona Riparian Agency requests applications to devel- son specialized in environmental law Council to Meet op and evaluate indicators for estimat- while with the firm of Snell & Wilmer ing the ecological condition of estua- from 1988 to 1991 before joining the Theseventh annual meeting of the nne, forested, and wetland resources to governor's staff. Arizona Riparian Council will be held help maintain biological integrity/bio- The plethora of pressing water April 16-17 at the Rio Rico Resort, diversity and ecological sustainability. issues facing the state will test the new Rio Rico, Arizona. The ecology and The deadline is April 30, 1993. For director's reputation as a quick study management of international border more information contact Clyde Bish- and skillful negotiator. The water rivers is an emphasized topic at the op, EPA, Office of Exploratory Re- community has been nearly unanimous conference. For additional informa- search (RD-675), 401 M St. SW, Wash- in its praise of the appointment, with tion contact the Arizona Riparian ington, DC 20460; 202-260-5727. the only concerns voiced being Pear- Council, Center for Environmental son's relative lack of experience in Studies, Arizona State University, Aquifer Protection some water areas and the fact that she Tempe, AZ 85287-3211; 602-965-2975. may devote less than full time to the Permit Due Dates position. Pearson will continue to List Available advise the governor on environmental Small System and natural resources issues. Waste Water Treatment .A.newly revised list of Aquifer Pro- Info Offered tection Permit (APP) application sub- ASU water and environmental law mittal due dates for facilities now is professor John Leshy has been nomi- available for review from the Arizona nated by President Clinton to be TheNational Small Flows Clearing- Department of Environmental Quality Solicitor of the Department of Interi- house (NSFC) offers a wide variety of information to operators of small (ADEQ). A list of names and loca- or. Leshy, 48, worked in Interior tions by county of facilities that sub- under President Carter and is a long- community wastewater treatment mitted APP applications during 1992 time advisor to Bruce Babbitt. Leshy, plants. Free or low-cost materials also is available, along with a descrip- an expert on Colorado River law, has include alternative technology case tion of the status of each application. been on sabbatical from ASU since studies, videotapes, government docu- For information call ADEQ librari- June 1992 while he analyzed water ments, and brochures. Also available an Maryalice Waldnip, 602-207-2202. issues for the staff of the House Interi- are two free newsletters, Small Flows continued on page 12 or Subcommittee on Insular Affairs. and Pipeline, that discuss small commu- 10 Arizona Water Resource March 1993 L>C Calendar of Events>Z] RECURRING MARCH

Arizona Hydrological Society. 2nd Tuesday of the month, 16-18 (Tue-Thu) Water Quality Association Convention. Meetings held at WRRC, 350 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson. San Antonio, TX. Contact: AWQA, 6819 E. Diamond St., Contact: Laurie Wirth 602-670-6231. Scottsdale, AZ 85257; 602-947-9850.

Arizona Water Resources Advisory Board. No meeting 16 (Tue) Global Change: Dr. David Maidment, Dept. of scheduled at this time. ADWR, B044, 15 South 15th Ave., Civil Engineering, Stanford University, The Geographical Phoenix. Contact: Beverly Beddow 602.542-1553. Information Syst4m Approach to Global Hydrological Modeling. 4:00 p.m. UA Harvill 318, Tucson. Contact: Fran Janssen, Casa Del Agua. Hourly tours, Sundays noon to 4:00 p.m., Global Change Coordinator 602-621-7120. 4366 North Stanley, Tucson. Contact: 602-791-4331. 16 (Tue) Dr. Glen Liston, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Central Arizona Water Conservation District,ist Thurs- Center, Computing River Discharges Using a Horizontally day of the month, 12:30 p.m. CAP Board Room, 23636 N. Coupled Runoff Modd in a GCkL 3:00 p.m. UA Harvill 318, 7th St., Phoenix. Contact: 602-870.2333. Tucson. Contact: Dr. Simon mce 602-621-3424.

City of Tucson Citizens Water Advisory Committee.ist 16 (Tue) CAP Indian Involvement Group. 2:00 p.m. Tuesday of the month, 7:00 a.m. 310 W. Alameda, Tucson. location to be announced. Contact: ADWR, Ana Marquez- Contact: Trish Williamson 602-791-4331. Guevvero 602-542-1520.

Phoenix AMA, GUAC. 3 March, 9:00 a.m. ADWR, Phoe- 17-19 (Wed-Fri) Southern California Tour. Water Educa- nix AMA Conference Room, 15 5. 15th Ave., Phoenix. tion Foundation Tours visits Las Vegas and San Diego Coun- Contact: Mark Frank 602-542-1512. ty. Contact: Valerie Holcomb 916-444-6240.

Pima Association of Governments I Water Quality Sub- 18 (Thu) CAP Public Advisory Involvement Group. 1:30 committee. 3rd Thursday of the month, 9:30 a.m. 177 N. p.m. Arizona Department of Water Resources, Basement Church Ave., Tucson. Contact: Gail Kushner 602-792-1093. Conference Room. Contact: ADWR, Ana Marquez- Guevvero 602-542-1520. Pima County Flood Control District. 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7:30-9:30 a.m. Public Works Bldg., 201 N. 21-24 (Sun-Wed) WATERSHED '93: A National Confer- Stone, Tucson. Contact: Carla Danforth, 602-740-6350. ence on Watershed Management. Alexandria, VA. Con- tact: WATERSHED '93, do The Terrene Institute, 1000 Pinal AMA, GUAC. 18 March, 7:00 p.m. Pinal AMA Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 802, Washington, DC 20036; Office, 1000 E. Racine, Conference Room, Casa Grande. 202-833-8317. Contact: Dennis Kimberlin 602-836-4857. 24 (Wed) Governor's CAP Advisory Committee. 2:00- Prescott AMA, GUAC. No meeting scheduled at this time. 4:00 p.m.i Arizona Center, 400 E. Van Buren, The Events Prescott City Council Chambers, 201 S. Cortez, Prescott. Suite, 4th Floor, Phoenix. Contact: ADWR, Ana Marquez- Contact: Phil Foster 602-778-7202. Guevvero 602-542-1520.

Santa Cruz Valley Water District. 7:30 a.m. Meetings 24 (Wed) Prof. Alain Rouleau, Center for Study of Miner- held at the Water Resources Research Center, 350 N. Camp- al Resources, Univ. of Quebec a Chicoutimi, Canada, bell Ave., Tucson. Contact: Warren Tenney 602-326-8999. Studies in Fracture Hydrology. 4:00 p.m. UA Geology 206, Tucson. Contact: Dr. Simon mce, 602-621-3424. Tucson AMA, GUAC. 26 March, 9:00 a.m. Tucson AMA offices, 400 W. Congress, Suite 518, Tucson. Contact: 24-25 (Wed-Thu) Innovations in Wastewater Treatment Linda Stitzer 602-628-6758. Technology. Phoenix. Arizona Water & Pollution Control Association. Contact: John Carollo Engineers, 3877 N. Yavapai County Flood Control District,ist Monday of Seventh Street Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85014, Attn: Brian the month in Prescott; 4th Monday of the month in Camp Peck; 602-924-0644. Verde. Contact: YCFCD, 255 E. Gurley, Prescott, 86301. March 1993 Arizona Water Resource 11

25-27 (Thu-Sat) Western Wetlands Conference. Society of 24 April (Sat) Streams in the Desert: The Natural History Wetland Scientists. UC-Davis. Contact: Western Wetland of Riparian Areas Symposium. Sponsored by the UA Conference, Division of Environmental Studies, UC-Davis, College of Agriculture and the Tucson Audubon Society. CA 95616. Contact: UA Extended University, Ann Forkner 602-621- UOFA. 30 March - 2 April (Tue-Fri) 13th Annual Hydrology Days. Fort Collins, CO. Contact: Janet Montera, Hydrology 25-28 April (Sun-Wed) 9th Annual International Confer. Days, Civil Engineering Dept., CSU, Fort Collins, CO ence of the American Backflow Prevention Association. 80523; 303-491-7425. Phoenix. Contact: Kathy Keim, Arizona Chapter, Ameri- can Backflow Prevention Association, P.O. Box 60548, 31 (Wed) 12th Annual Memorial Kisiel Lecture. Dr. Vit Phoenix, AZ 85082; 602-788-5411. Kleines, Water Storage: Soune of Inspiration and Desperation. 3:00 p.m. UA Center for Creative Photography Auditorium, 2-7 May (Sun-Fn) Management of Water Resources in Tucson. Sponsored by the Hydrology and Water Resources North America III: Anticipating the 21st Century. Hotel Dept. Contact: Nathan Buras 602-621-9132. Park Tucson, AZ. Sponsored by the Engineering Founda- tion and the International Water Resources Association. 31 (Wed) El Dia dei Agua. 7:45 a.m. Arizona Ballroom, ContactEngineering Foundation Conferences, 345 E. 47th UA Student Union Building, Tucson. Hydrology and Water St., New York, NY 10017; 212-705-7835. Resources Dept. Contact: Gray Wilson 602-621-9108. 4-7 May (Tue-Fri) Arizona Water & Pollution Control Association 1993 Annual Conference. Doubletree Hotel, UPCOMING Tucson. Arizona Water & Pollution Control Association. Contact: Jon Schladweiler 602-740-6539. 2 April (Fn) Carol Rose, Yale University, Law, speaks on 12-14 May (Wed-Fri) Central California Tour. Water Environmental Ethics. College of Law Faculty Seminars. Education Foundation Tours focuses on the San Joaquin val- 4:00 p.m. UA Law School Faculty Library, Tucson. Con- ley.Contact: Valerie Holcomb 916-444-6240. tact: Lakshman Guruswamy 602-621-1373. 16-20 May (Sun-Thu) Second USA/USSR Joint Conference 10 April (Wed) Global Change: David Schund, Project on Environmental Hydrology and Hydrogeology. Wash- Scientist from Climate System Modeling Program ington D.C. Contact: Secretariat, Second USA/USSR (UCAR), Soil Gzrbon.- Global Variation in Storage and Conference, American Institute of Hydrology, 3416 Univer- Turnover. 3:00 p.m. LIA Center for Creative Photography, sity Avenue, S.E. , Minneapolis, MN; 612-379-1030. Tucson. Contact: Fran Janssen Global Change Coordinator 602-621-7120. 19-21 May (Wed-Fri) The 6th Symposium on Artificial Recharge of Groundwater Purpose, Problems, and Prog- 14 April (Wed) Darcy Lecture: Dr. Mary Jo Baedecker, Research Chemist, US Geological Survey, The Fate of ress. Phoenix. Contact: Technical Committee, 1993 ARGS, Water Resources Research Center, The University of Ogank Compounds and Geochemical Processes in Contaminat- dAqufen. 3:00 p.m. UA Center for Creative Photography, Arizona, 350 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85721; 602-792- Tucson. Contact: Dr. Simon Inces 602-621-3424. 9591.

14-16 April (Wed-Fri) National Research Council, Commit- 23-25 June (Wed-Fri) Bay-Delta Tour. Water Education tee on Planning and Remediation for Irrigation-Induced Foundation Tours travel through the Sacramento-San Water Quality Problems. Phoenix. Contact: Water Sci- Joaquin Delta and the San Francisco Bay area. Contact: ence and Technology Board, National Research Council, Valerie Holcomb 916-444.6240. 2101 Constitution Ave., HA 462, Washington, D.C. 20418. 27-30 June (Sun-Wed) Water Resources Education: A Lifetime of Learning and Changing Roles in Water Re- 16-17 April (Fri-Sat) 7th Annual Meeting of the Arizona Riparian Council. Rio Rico, AZ. Contact: Arizona Ripar- sources Management and Policy. Seattle, WA. Contact: ian Council, Center for Environmental Studies, ASU, Tem- American Water Resources Association, 5410 Grosvenor pe, AZ 85287-3211. Lane, Suite 220, Bethesda, MD 208 14-2192; 301-493-8600.

19-20 April (Mon-Tue) Environmental Compliance for 29 August - 2 Sept (Sun-Thu) American Water Resources Federal Facilities.Seattle, WA. Contact: Tim Hohman, Association 29th Annual Conference and Symposium. El Government Institutes, Inc., 4 Research Place, Suite 200, Conquistador Resort, Tucson, AZ. Contact: AWRA, Missis- sippi River at Third Ave., S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414. Rockville, MD 20850; 301.921-2345. 12 Arizona Water Resource March 1993 Announcements; continued Jivm page 9 Call for Environmental Technical International Water Management Committee Members Conference Set .Arizona'sComparative Environmental Risk Project (ACERP) will use scientific information and public values to TheEngineering Foundation is sponsoring a conference rank state environmental problems. The two-year project is «Management of Water Resources in North America Ill: to help establish statewide priorities for environmental Anticipating the 21st Century," to be held May 2-7 in Tuc- problems. son. In response to the emerging North-America free trade Three ACERP technical committees are being formed to agreement, the conference is addressing issues having to do analyze risks posed by environmental problems to human with the development and utilization of natural resources health, ecosystems, and quality of life. The technical com- and the effect on the environment. mittees will gather existing information, assess risks and rank For more information contact the Engineering Founda- environmental problems based on risk. tion Conferences, 345 E. 47 Street, New York, NY 10017; Members of the technical committees must have scientif- 212-705-7835. ic/technical expertise and a knowledge of Arizona's environmental problems. Each committee is expected to have 9 to Groundwater Education Consortium 15 members who will meet monthly for six to 9 months. The Project Steering Committee encourages interested at Your Service and qualified individuals from government agencies, public organizations, business/industry, academia and the general TheNational Groundwater Education Consortium public to apply for committee membership. (NGEC) was formed to provide an informal, centralized Cover letters and resumes must be submitted by April 22 network of state, regional, and national organizations cur- before 5 p.m. to Richard Hayslip, Chairman, ACERP Steer- rently involved with the delivery of groundwater education ing Committee c/o Commission on the Arizona Environ- programs to diverse audiences. Its goal is to provide an ment, 1645 W. Jefferson St., Suite 416, Phoenix, AZ 85007; informal forum for these organizations to address issues and FAX 602-542-2104. common concerns, exchange ideas, strategies for success, and For additional information contact Program Assistance lessons learned. and Support Section, Arizona Department of Environmental For more information about NGEC contact Susan Sea- Quality, 602-207-4629 or Commission on the Arizona Envi- crest, Nebraska Groundwater Foundation, P.O. Box 22558, ronment, 602-542-2102. Lincoln, NE 68542; 402-434-2740.

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