Water stress has caused countries around the world to consider ways to mitigate the impact increased population and climate change. In the United States, twenty-nine states, mostly western, have taken into consideration current and future water supplies and usage trends along with factors like population growth and climate change to establish water plans. Tucson, Arizona (Tucson Water) is currently seeking public input as it develops its long-range water and infrastructure plan that will run through 2100.
According to its website, the One Water 2100 Master Plan addresses future challenges to water sources and, “will be comprised of numerous elements that are critical to ensuring the long-range viability and quality of our community’s water supply for the next 80 years.”[1] The name of the plan, “One Water,” refers to the fact that water is connected in a never-ending cycle. As a desert city, Tucson prides itself as being forward-thinking, using recycled water, harvesting rain and stormwater, and implementing a robust conservation program as means of combating water stress. The plan will also consider infrastructure needs, as well. Tucson Water’s plan got underway in late 2019 and is scheduled to launch in 2021.
[1] “One Water Master Plan Elements.” Tucson One Water, 2020, www.onewatertucson.com/one-water-master-plan-elements.
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