Phoenix Area Office - Programs & Activities
Program Descriptions and Contacts
Central Arizona Salinity Study (CASS) - CASS WEBSITE HERE
Central Arizona's surface water supplies (Central Arizona Project and Salt River Project) transport 1.6M tons of salt per year into the region. Agriculture and municipal use contribute more salts into the local water cycle. High salinity water in Central Arizona increases water treatment costs, damages plumbing and fixtures, increases maintenance to pumps and distributing systems, lowers crop yields and increases the need for special drainage facilities on farms. Local communities and industry are removing the salts to improve the water quality which leads to the problem of brine disposal. Resolution of the salinity problem will improve public health, economic development and quality of life.
Status: The main focus of the study now is concentrate management. An innovative method of using wetlands to process the concentrate is under investigation and shows great potential to solve the problem. The other areas of investigation are the control of salts entering into the wastewater treatment plants and public education
Study Manager: Deborah Tosline
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
MORE INFORMATION LOCATED ON THE CENTRAL ARIZONA SALINITY STUDY WEBSITE
Central Yavapai Highlands Water Resources Management Study
A regional effort to evaluate and address potential unmet water demands in the upper and middle Verde watersheds in the year 2050. This study will examine the full range of problems and solutions in the Verde River watershed.
Reclamation - Central Yavapai
Highlands Water Resources Management Study Website
Yavapai County - Central Yavapai Highlands Water Resource Management Study Website
Study Manager: John Rasmussen
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Conserve To Enhance Program
Federal projects in the seven Colorado River Basin states have experienced impacts from increasing demand, drought, climate variability, and changing hydraulics on the Colorado River systems as well as the Salt and Verde Rivers in Arizona. Many different aspects of water availability and water management have been undertaken by both the State of Arizona and the Bureau of Reclamation to assess the impacts on the general water supply and water resources. One area of potential concern is the impact on projects and programs tied to environmental conservation. A Conserve to Enhance Program will provide a new source of funding for supplemental water for environmental enhancement projects. Planning studies are proposed to incorporate water availability in operations through water recycling and other water conserving methods to support the existing and proposed efforts of environmental conservation and to identify environmental benefits and actions for application. There is an opportunity to leverage a water marketing/water trades mechanism to include environmental water needs into allocation distributions (water service) of Colorado River supplies without actually using the high valued water, thus adding another supply of water into the allocation calculation. The goal of the program is to make a direct connection between water user behavior and environmental concerns. Assessment factors and impacts upon water supply are: what are the economic or other values associated with the environmental conservation practice; and is there a potential for stretching river supplies through water marketing/trades development based upon the proposed environmental conservation practice/program?
Study Manager: Eve Halper
bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
East Valley Water Forum
This is a water supply study for renewable water resource allocations (such as the Central Arizona Project) for east side metropolitan Phoenix cities. The first phase identified population growth and water needs, groundwater drawdown impacts based on modeling efforts, water use patterns, and benefits from a regional collaboration.
Status: East Valley Water Forum has produced a regional Water Management Plan which includes a regional ground water model with visualization, an infrastructure identifications and analysis, and a drought model based on the regional ground water model. The next steps are to identify new infrastructure which will fully utilize the available surface water supplies and preserve the ground water for potential drought conditions.
Study Manager: Mitchell Haws
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Gila Watershed Partnership
Working collaboratively in the Gila watershed with community members, local, state and federal entities to conserve, restore and protect water quality and quantity in a locally lead effort.
Status: Currently working with partners in the Gila Valley defining a supply study to go along with a demand study that has already been produced.
Study Manager: Vivian Gonzales
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Green Valley Area Water Supply Study
The unincorporated area south of metropolitan Tucson, within the Tucson Active Management Area, is experiencing falling groundwater levels and impaired water quality. Agriculture, mining and a rapidly expanding residential sector all contribute to a growing demand for water. Although two local water companies in the area have Central Arizona Project entitlements, infrastructure for the delivery of CAP water has yet to be constructed. The study examines the available quantity and quality of water in the area and recommends strategies for reducing dependence on local groundwater
Green Valley Area Water Supply Study - Preliminary Assessment – Final Report
Contacts:
Eve Halper, bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Nathan Lehman, bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
This Study, “Identifying Key Areas in the City of Phoenix for Infiltration and Retention Using Low Impact Development,” commenced in May 2018 and concluded in August 2021.
The Bureau of Reclamation and The Nature Conservancy, along with partners the City of Phoenix, Flood Control District of Maricopa County, and Maricopa County Air Quality Department, collaborated on this Study to identify and prioritize City of Phoenix stormwater catchments that could most benefit from theoretical implementation of Low Impact Development (LID) for stormwater management and to assess potential impacts of LID on the environment. Partners and stakeholders identified the objectives evaluated for this Study, including the impact of using LID on urban flooding, urban heat, air quality and stormwater quality.
LID Floodplain Final Report with AppendicesStudy Manager: Deborah Tosline
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
The goal of this research was to examine the impacts of Grade Control Structure (GCS) installations at the Heard Scout Pueblo (HSP) study site in the City of Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The study site is around a high-use trail system and is comprised of eroded and incised channels that conduct high flows and associated sediments into a residential neighborhood downstream, a noted stormwater control problem. We established baseline conditions associated with rainfall/runoff response before structures were installed so we could have some data for comparison afterwards.
Final Report No. ST-2017-751-01 with Appendices
Study Manager: Deborah ToslineE-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Little Colorado River Watershed Study
This study will be a basin-wide effort to define the problems, identify solutions and options related to protecting and increasing water supplies, preserve/enhance a more natural environment, and improve the health of the watershed. There are multiple jurisdictions over the water resources which are working to develop a coordinated management plan to optimize the water resources to meet the water needs.
Study Manager: Vivian Gonzales
bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Lower Santa Cruz River Basin Study - WEBSITE
For over 60 years, residents of the Lower Santa Cruz River (LSCR) Basin in Southern Arizona relied on groundwater to meet most water supply needs, with pumping greatly exceeding replenishment. In 1993, the Central Arizona Project (CAP) began delivering Colorado River water to the LSCR Basin. However, there are still significant supply-demand imbalances due to a lack of water delivery infrastructure, insufficient recharge and recovery capacity, and the cost of constructing new facilities.
Uncertainty about the future compounds these issues. The CAP has junior priority rights on the Colorado River; thus CAP sub-contractors will bear the brunt of imminent shortages. Climate change poses additional threats and may aggravate the impacts of future droughts. The 3-year study's overarching goal is to identify where physical water resources are needed in order to mitigate supply-demand imbalances and to develop a strategy to improve water reliability for the municipal, industrial, agricultural, cultural and environmental sectors.
The LSCR Basin Study will be a technical assessment and will not make statements of policy or future commitments by Reclamation or its cost-share partners.
Study Manager: Eve Halper
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Miscellaneous Flood Control
The Arizona Statewide Flood Warning System is the primary function of the Miscellaneous Flood Control Program. The AFWS is currently being implemented by a multi-agency organization. The major agencies involved are the Arizona Department of Water Resources, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Salt River Project, National Weather Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Flood Control District of Maricopa County, Pima County Flood Control District, and U.S Geological Survey.
Study Manager: Deborah Tosline
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Mogollon Rim Water Resources Management Study
The Mogollon Rim Water Resources Management Study is a regional effort in northern Gila County to evaluate and address potential unmet water demands in the year 2040.
Status: The study partners have completed appraisal level study. The Mogollon Rim Water Resources Management Study – Report of Findings is available at: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/reports/mogollonrim/mrwrfr.html
The town of Payson has partnered with the Bureau of Reclamation to complete a Feasibility Study for the Payson Pipeline alternative (identified in the Report of Findings). The final Feasibility study and report is expected to be completed in FY2012.
Study Manager: Mary ReeceE-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Nogales Area Water Storage
The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) Santa Cruz Active Management Area (SCAMA) includes the watershed delineated on the south by the US/ Mexico border and following the Santa Cruz River north to the Pima County line. The watershed is generally characterized as having a good supply of water. However, a shallow depth to bedrock and few surface reservoirs provide limited water storage, especially in times of drought. A major source of water in the watershed is treated effluent generated from the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant which treats wastewater generated by Nogales, Sonora, Mexico and Nogales, Arizona. Reclamation, ADWR and the City of Nogales are studying the problem of water storage. Reclamation is working with its partners to prepare an appraisal level analysis of potential long-term water storage alternatives for the SCAMA. The study will identify and describe key problems in water resource management with a focus on long-term water storage.
Contacts:
Eve Halper, bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Nathan Lehman, bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
North Central Arizona Water Supply Feasibility Study
The North Central Arizona Water Supply Study is a regional effort to evaluate and address potential unmet water demands on the Coconino Plateau in the year 2050.
The North Central Arizona Water Supply Feasibility Study was authorized and funded in FY2011 through Reclamation's Rural Water Program. Engineering work is in progress with the environmental analysis scheduled to begin later in 2012.
North Central Arizona Water Supply Feasibility Study Website
Study Manager: Deborah Tosline
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Phoenix Metropolitan Water Reclamation and Reuse Project
The three main sources of water for the Phoenix, Ariz. metropolitan area will be fully developed in the near future. The main sources of water are the Central Arizona Project, the Salt River Project, and groundwater.
Using reclaimed water from the regional waste water treatment plant (on 91st Avenue in Phoenix) can replace the use of potable water for irrigation, cooling, and industrial uses. The benefits for using reclaimed water in the Phoenix metropolitan area include: reducing the rate of decline of the groundwater table, reducing the demand for imported water, and providing a continuous and dependable supplemental source of water.
Reclamation and the City of Phoenix are currently examining the alternatives for the long term use of the reclaimed water produced by the regional waste water treatment plant.
Status: A new Appraisal Level Study Agreement was signed in 2011
Study Manager: Deborah Tosline
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Salt River Valley Water Analysis and Resource Study
Concern exists as to whether the valley's water supply storage is sufficient to supply Arizona's needs, particularly during a sustained drought period. This is a multi-year study to determine if an issue exists with respect to the valley's long term water supply. The issue of long term sustainability with respect to hydrologic cycles and water supply and demand are seen as integrated water management issues.
Study Manager: Mitchell Haws
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Sierra Vista Water Reclamation Facility Effluent Recharge Project
The preservation of two important Federal facilities, Fort Huachuca (Fort) and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA), in Southeast Arizona, requires augmentation of the local water supply. Development near the City of Sierra Vista (SV) has resulted in substantial groundwater overdraft and a cone of depression that is expected to negatively impact baseflows of the San Pedro River (SPR). In 1996, Reclamation and the Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission provided funding for the SV Water Reclamation Facility (SVWRF) to upgrade its capacity and to construct facilities to recharge the aquifer with treated effluent, thereby supporting baseflows in the SPR. Reclamation reviews the SVWRF annual monitoring and 5-year modeling reports to ascertain whether effluent may be used in a more effective manner. Reclamation coordinated a collaboration of Federal and local partners to optimize data collection and to incorporate monitoring results into on-going research. The SVWRF recharge facility annually contributes the largest volume of reuse water to the San Pedro Sub-watershed in the region.
Contact Person: Mary Reece
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Sierra Vista/Upper San Pedro Appraisal Study
The study was completed in June, 2007. The Study developed appraisal level design and cost estimates on a long-list of augmentation alternatives; developed screening criteria and screened the alternatives into a short-list.
The study report can be found at:
Appraisal Report:
http://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/reports/sierravista/Finalnoapps.pdf
Appendices:
http://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/reports/sierravista/Appendices.pdf
Study Manager: Mary Reece
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Sierra Vista Subwatershed Feasibility Study – (Upper San Pedro Basin)
A growing groundwater overdraft in the Sierra Vista Subwatershed, the southern portion of the Upper San Pedro Basin, impacts local efforts to attain sustainability and the viability of two important federal facilities: the Bureau of Land Management's San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) and the Army's Fort Huachuca. A comprehensive water management plan including augmentation is necessary to achieve a sustainable water balance. An appraisal level study was completed in June 2007, developed design and cost estimates for a long-list of alternatives; developed screening criteria and screened the alternatives into a short-list. The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-11), authorized a feasibility study to investigate the viability of a preferred alternative. With full support from the Fort and BLM, Reclamation signed an agreement with the Arizona Department of Water Resources, the City of Sierra Vista and The Nature Conservancy.
Contacts:
Eve Halper, bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Mary Reece, bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Slow sand filtration (SSF) and reverse osmosis (RO) treatment with associated concentrate disposal using halophyte irrigation
This pilot project, completed in 2011 investigated the treatment of CAP water (as it is delivered in the Tucson, Arizona area) with a combination of slow-sand filtration, microfiltration, reverse osmosis and associated concentrate management using salt tolerant plants (halophytes) as a cost effective, beneficial by-product
Study Report - Post summary of results.Study Manager: Mary Reece
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act (SAWRSA) - Effluent Utilization
Explore and implement opportunities to maximize the use of effluent provided to the Secretary of
Interior to meet the objectives of the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-293)
(SAWRSA) and the Arizona Water Settlements Act (P.L. 108-451--12/10/2004). Reclamation manages the use of
28,200 acre-feet per year (AFY) of treated effluent from Tucson area wastewater treatment plants meant
to assist in implementation of the settlement. Reclamation currently recharges treated effluent in the
Santa Cruz River, with a net benefit of about 7,000 acre-feet per year of water storage credit accrual.
Reclamation seeks to fully utilize the 28,200 AFY.
Contacts:
Mary Reece, bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Nathan Lehman, bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Tucson Area Central Arizona Project System Reliability Investigation
Authorized under CAP, Tucson Reliability Division, to provide project water to Tucson, AZ area subcontractors during planned, maintenance outages. An agreement between the Project Operator, Central Arizona Water Conservation District and CAP subcontractors including Tucson Water, Metropolitan Domestic Water Improvement District, Oro Valley, Marana and smaller outlying water providers is being finalized. A recharge and recovery project using arroyos (alluvial fan recharge) is operating on the San Xavier District and is in the process of being expanded. The Schuk Toak District has expressed interest in a similar facility. .
Contacts:
Mary Reece, bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Nathan Lehman, bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Tucson Area Water Reclamation Study
This study identified a potential effluent reuse project that may be eligible for funding under Title XVI of Public Law (P.L.) 102-575, as amended. The City of Tucson Reclaimed Water System Expansion and Enhancement Project, which is located within the Tucson Active Management Area (TAMA), will reduce pumping of ground water, match water quality to its appropriate end use, and maximize the use of renewable sources of water. The project will allow Tucson to replace the pumping of 15,200 acre-feet per year of excellent quality potable ground water with treated effluent. Tucson Water's proposal is one component of an overall regional strategy that began in 1996 to improve effluent use in the TAMA.
Study Manager: Mary Reece
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Upper Gila New Mexico CAP Unit
The Arizona Water Settlements Act (P.L. 108-451) amends requirements of the Central Arizona Project (CAP) related to construction of a New Mexico Unit if requested by the State to develop New Mexico's exchange of water from the Gila River and its tributaries in exchange for deliveries of CAP water to downstream entities in Arizona. The Act also ratifies the New Mexico Consumptive Use and Forbearance Agreement outlining conditions associated with the exchange. The Act authorizes the Secretary to execute the New Mexico Unit Agreement within one year of receipt of written notice from the State that it intends to build the New Mexico Unit. Different funding amounts are available to either pay costs of a New Mexico Unit or other water utilization alternatives to meet water supply demands in the Southwest Water Planning Region of New Mexico.
Status: Reclamation is currently supporting the State of New Mexico’s stakeholder planning process.
Study Manager: Vivian GonzalesE-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Upper Gila River Watershed Restoration
The Upper Gila Watershed is exposed to grazing, mining, timbering, and agricultural activities which have degraded the hydrologic system resulting in increased flooding, poor water quality, and decline in native biological communities. Rapid regional population growth and major changes in the local economy is resulting in long-term projected water deficits. Community members, local, state and federal entities are working collaboratively to conserve, restore and protect water quality and quantity in a locally lead effort. This program hopes to investigate factors causing the above conditions and develop a river basin management plan to ensure acceptable watershed conditions, identify alternatives for supply and quality improvements. Status: Partners are currently seeking non-Federal funding to move forward with proposed activities.
Status: Partners are currently seeking non-Federal funding to move forward with proposed activities
Study Managers:
Mary Reece, bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Vivian Gonzales, bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Study (VRSMS)
The Verde River reservoirs are located north of Phoenix, Arizona and are part of the Salt River Project. The Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Study (VRSMS) is an appraisal level study. The VRSMS investigates and evaluates alternatives for addressing current and future impacts of sedimentation on Verde River reservoir capacities, including sediment removal, operational changes, and new or modified infrastructure.
VRSMS Appraisal Study Report
Study Manager: Marcia Nesby
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
West Salt River Valley Basin Study,
West Valley Central Arizona Project Subcontractors
The West Salt River Valley Basin is located in Maricopa County, Ariz., and includes the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. The proposed study will include the development of a clear understanding of regional water supply and demand taking into account climate change and population growth projections. Additionally, the study will include the development of strategies to address current and future imbalances in water supply and demand. The basin study will be a collaboration among Reclamation, the West Valley Central Arizona Project subcontractors, the Central Arizona Project (operated by the Central Arizona Water Conservancy District) and the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Study Manager: Mitchell Haws
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
West Valley Central Arizona Project Subcontractors (WESTCAPS)
WESTCAPS WEBSITE
A coalition of five municipalities and three private water companies in the west Phoenix Salt River Valley who are Central Arizona Project subcontractors working together to effectively use their CAP allocations in order to preserve groundwater. A 1995 study authorized by the Arizona legislature showed that most of the west Salt River Valley has experienced significant groundwater decline, resulting in up to 17 feet of land subsidence in some areas. WESTCAPS' goal is to plan and develop water delivery infrastructure to shift the communities' reliance from groundwater to renewable supplies by 2025.
Study Manager: Mitchell Haws
E-mail: bor-sha-pxa-prgdev@usbr.gov
Webmaster:
Joseph J. Billerbeck - jbillerbeck@usbr.gov
