Water Expo Offers Info to AZ Lawmakers

Water Expo 2007 was a special event to inform Arizona Legislators about water education, outreach and research projects occurring throughout the state and enable them to meet some of the people involved in the activities. Conducted Feb. 27 on the Senate lawn of the Arizona State Capitol, the event provided an informal setting for 55 Legislators and staff members to peruse some of the 40 exhibits.

Exhibitors participating in the event included the Agri-Business Council of Arizona, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, the three state universities and Gateway Community College, as well as government agencies at the federal, state and local levels. Legislators got information about research, conservation, water education, environmental enhancement and other water-related issues.

The event also provided an opportunity to express appreciation to Legislators for their support. During the luncheon Kathy Jacobs, executive director of the Arizona Water Institute, thanked lawmakers for supporting the AWI, a collaboration of the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, established to more fully utilize the water expertise of the three faculties.

Charlene Saltz of Maricopa County Cooperative Extension organized the event. She says, “I think overall the event was a success. ... A lot of people were milling about and having good conversations. From the exhibitors perspective it was a good networking opportunity; the Legislators had a chance to stop and learn more about water issues in our state.”

The event was sponsored by the University of Arizona’s Water Sustainability Program, with support from UA Cooperative Extension, the Central Arizona Project and the Salt River Project. (The Water Resources Research Center along with three other UA water centers make up the Water Sustainability Program.) This was the third year for Water Expo.

WRRC Conference Marks Anniversary of

Environmental Quality Act

Work continues on the Water Resources Research Center’s annual conference scheduled June 5 in Phoenix. The title of the conference is, “The 20th Anniversary of the Environmental Quality Act and ADEQ: Assessing and Protecting the State’s Water Quality.” The event is cosponsored by the Arizona Water Institute and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

The conference will feature panels on the genesis and history of the Environmental Quality Act and ADEQ; the Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund; emerged and emerging contaminants; emerging policy challenges; and the future of ADEQ. ADEQ Director Steve Owens’ luncheon presentation will be “State of ADEQ”; former directors will offer their insights. Governor Napolitano has been invited to kick-off the day.
To include your name on a mailing list to receive additional information about the event contact us at wrrc@ag.arizona.edu. Check the WRRC web site for conference planning updates.

Despite the seemingly noncommittal looks on the faces of the gathered dignitaries surrounding Governor Bruce Babbitt as he signs Arizona’s Environmental Qualilty Act, they more than likely are feeling a collective sense of satisfaction, even relief. Why should they not? The debates, negotiations, compromises and voting are over; the bill is to become law.

Water Center Home -- AWR Home -- Search