Stories - AZPM

Mated pair of Great Plains toads (Anaxyrus cognatus) in the floodplain of the Santa Cruz River.

The Desert Blooms in a Bountiful Monsoon.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Why the music of the rock group Fanny is rocking a whole new generation!

Tucson uses recharge techniques to get water back into its underground aquifers.

Award recognizes Tucson Water's sustainability

Twenty years ago, Tucson was the largest American city entirely reliant on groundwater.

Effluent and recycled water flow into the lower Santa Cruz River in Tucson.

An Unnatural River

Treated effluent and recycled water flowing into the lower Santa Cruz River fosters abundant native vegetation and wildlife, and brings recreational and economic opportunities.

Low water levels at Lake Mead outside Las Vegas are prompting water leaders throughout the Western U.S. to undertake negotiations over the Colorado River's future.

Water shortage on Colorado River triggers supply cuts for Arizona

The shortage means Arizona will see its share of water from the river slashed by 18% next year.

Will Thelander, of Tempe Farming Company, grows crops such as cotton and alfalfa but is also experimenting with guayule, a desert native plant that is being studied for the natural rubber it produces.

Arizona farmers prepare for water cuts

A third-generation farmer fears for the long-term sustainability of farming in Arizona.

The Central Arizona Project moves water from the Colorado River to southern Arizona. July 2021

Arizona faces cut in water supplies as shortage is declared on Colorado River

Arizona will lose 18% of its share of Colorado River water next year, with cuts falling largely on farmers.

Saguaro National Park employees climbing up a hill within the park to find and spray bunches of buffelgrass with herbicide August 2021.

How one grass at Saguaro National Park shows push and pull of climate change

If left unchecked, buffelgrass poses a tremendous fire danger to native plants and the homes nearby.

Lake Pleasant, north of Phoenix, is a major reservoir for Colorado River water. Each summer the lake is pumped down to send water to Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties. July 2021

Water cutbacks coming to Arizona

A decades-long drought means less water from the Colorado River.

Member of the Navajo Nation retrieving clean, drinking water at the local well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newly introduced bill aims to increase access to clean water in tribal lands

If passed, the bill could provide billions across a variety of federal programs to improve water infrastructure and operation.

Council approves water rate hike for non-city users

Conservation, equity are cited as reasons

Since late June 2019, Tucson Water has been recharging treated wastewater into the dry channel of the Santa Cruz River, creating a riparian oasis.

State pays to restart PFA treatment

Water will be recharged in the Santa Cruz riverbed.

Water cutbacks anticipated as Lake Mead levels drop

The reservoir's level hit a record low in June.

Key reservoir on Colorado River expected to match record low

Dropping surface level at Lake Mead continues to drop

Navajo Nation family getting clean, drinking water at the local well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New report looks into water insecurity in tribal lands across Colorado River Basin

A new report shows when it comes to clean water, its race that best predicts the haves and have nots.

Cracked earth in the Joshua Tree National Park, where the National Park Service says severe drought and warming temperatures will likely affect the populations and home ranges of many species.

White House announces group to address drought in the West

The interagency group will work with federal, state, local and tribal governments to tackle the water shortages.

US West prepares for possible 1st water shortage declaration

Projections say by late next year Lake Mead could drop to levels that could threaten the ability to generate electricity at Hoover Dam

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