Hydrogeologic uncertainties and policy implications: The Water Consumer Protection Act of Tucson, Arizona, USA |
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Authors: | L G Wilson W G Matlock K L Jacobs |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA, US;(2) Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA, US;(3) Arizona Department of Water Resources, Tucson Active Management Area, 400 West Congress Street, Suite 518, Tucson, Arizona 85701, USA, US |
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Abstract: | The 1995 Water Consumer Protection Act of Tucson, Arizona, USA (hereafter known as the Act) was passed following complaints
from Tucson Water customers receiving treated Central Arizona Project (CAP) water. Consequences of the Act demonstrate the
uncertainties and difficulties that arise when the public is asked to vote on a highly technical issue. The recharge requirements
of the Act neglect hydrogeological uncertainties because of confusion between "infiltration" and "recharge." Thus, the Act
implies that infiltration in stream channels along the Central Wellfield will promote recharge in the Central Wellfield. In
fact, permeability differences between channel alluvium and underlying basin-fill deposits may lead to subjacent outflow.
Additionally, even if recharge of Colorado River water occurs in the Central Wellfield, groundwater will become gradually
salinized. The Act's restrictions on the use of CAP water affect the four regulatory mechanisms in Arizona's 1980 Groundwater
Code as they relate to the Tucson Active Management Area: (a) supply augmentation; (b) requirements for groundwater withdrawals
and permitting; (c) Management Plan requirements, particularly mandatory conservation and water-quality issues; and (d) the
requirement that all new subdivisions use renewable water supplies in lieu of groundwater. Political fallout includes disruption
of normal governmental activities because of the demands in implementing the Act.
Received, December 1996 · Revised, October 1997 · Accepted, October 1997 |
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Keywords: | USA groundwater management groundwater recharge/water budget legislation socioeconomic aspects |
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