In 2016, the City of Tucson initiated a discussion about using reclaimed water to restore perennial flow to a portion of the Santa Cruz River near downtown Tucson. This action could support riparian habitat in the urban core, improve long-term water management in the region, and stimulate economic activity. The concept was well received by a multitude of stakeholders and Tucson Water began the tasks of bringing this vision to reality. In May 2019, perennial flow will return to the Santa Cruz River near Tucson’ Birthplace, and a new era of water management will begin.
WRRC - Greater depth, broader perspective for a clear water future
Greater depth, broader perspective for a clear water future
We tackle key water policy and management issues, empower informed decision-making, and enrich understanding through engagement, education,
and applied research.
2017 WRRC Photo Contest Winner: John Bartholow – Oak Creek Evening Near Sedona 2011
Real Impact
Get involved and see the latest ways we are making a difference.
Be Informed
Subscribe to keep up with our news and events weekly, quarterly or annually.
Arizona Water Map Poster
The Water Resources Research Center Arizona Water Map Poster is the latest in our series of reliable and concise visual representations of Arizona's water resources. This, the fourth edition of the map is the product of a design and review process that engaged stakeholders from across regions and sectors. The new map reflects the current state of water resources in Arizona, as well as a culture of management and planning unique to the state.
Outreach
We transfer water research results and information to other researchers, water managers, policy makers, and the wider public through publications, conferences, lectures, seminars, and workshops.
Director’s Water
Management Activities
Management Activities
50
ENGAGEMENT
ACTIVITIES AROUND
THE GLOBE
spanning from Arizona
to Israel
ACTIVITIES AROUND
THE GLOBE
spanning from Arizona
to Israel
16
STUDENTS ADVISED
in Arizona. national, and
global water policy
in Arizona. national, and
global water policy
26
PUBLICATIONS
published and posted
materials and papers
published and posted
materials and papers
22.6k
ESTIMATED
total reach through
engagement activities
total reach through
engagement activities
Brown Bag Seminars
490
ATTENDANCE
in person and via
online webinars
in person and via
online webinars
27 Speakers
including local,
national, and
international
experts
including local,
national, and
international
experts
Total
Attendance
expanded by
43%
Attendance
expanded by
43%
Annual Conference
280
PEOPLE REGISTERED
for the 2016 conference
#AZwawterfuture: Tech, Talk,
and Tradeoffs
28 Speakers
and Panelists
and Panelists
Summer 2016
AWR Newsletter
featured speakers'
Perspectives
AWR Newsletter
featured speakers'
Perspectives
Programs
Focus on scientific research, education, community outreach and engagement with a spectrum of topics, including water management and planning, water conservation, water harvesting, and water policy.
A binational collaboration
Throughout the Western US, population growth and expanding urban areas will increase water demand even as climate changes affect supply equations. Communities may be challenged to consistently deliver sufficient water to meet demands, obtain additional water supplies, and construct additional infrastructure, all while ensuring enough water for environmental needs and for cooling the urban environment.
Groundwater Governance and Management
Making groundwater more “visible”
Groundwater is a critical component of the water supply for agriculture, urban areas, industry, and ecosystems, but managing it is a challenge because groundwater is difficult to map, quantify, and evaluate. Until recently, study and assessment of governance of this water resource has been largely neglected.
Middle East Water
Facilitating communication and developing partnerships
Arizona, Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian Territories are arid/semi-arid lands that face similar water challenges. The Water Resources Research Center has been working to facilitate communication and develop partnerships related to water management and policy in the Middle East. The focus has been on the critical water issues of water-stressed regions and transboundary waters.
Providing Water Harvesting Tools
Throughout the Western US, population growth and expanding urban areas will increase water demand even as climate changes affect supply equations. Communities may be challenged to consistently deliver sufficient water to meet demands, obtain additional water supplies, and construct additional infrastructure, all while ensuring enough water for environmental needs and for cooling the urban environment.
Upcoming Events
Featured Event
News
Featured News
August 01, 2018
2017 Annual Report Now Available
The WRRC Annual Report highlights our efforts during 2017, including groundbreaking research on groundwater governance, antibiotic resistance in water, and stakeholder engagement practices; programs that foster sustainable water planning in Arizona’s rural communities, effective educational strategies; respected outreach to multiple audiences, and nurturing of future water resources professionals.
December 21, 2017
Wishing You Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!
Throughout the year, the Water Resources Research Center works tirelessly to bring trusted water information to Arizonans and to share Arizona's water story widely.
November 20, 2017
REQUEST FOR PREPROPOSALS: Water Resources Research National Competitive Grants Program (104g)
The U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the National Institutes for Water Resources is requesting proposals for the FY 2018 Water Resources Research National Competitive Grants Program (104g). Grants will support research on improving and enhancing the nation's water supply. Any investigator at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States is eligible to apply. Proposals may be for projects of 1 to 3 years in duration and may request up to $250,000 in federal funds.
October 03, 2017
STUDENT RESEARCH SUPPORT OPPORTUNITY
The University of Arizona's Water Resources Research Center invites proposals for student research projects that address water-related issues of importance to Arizona and the Southwest. The WRRC expects to award two to four grants of up to $10,000. Projects requesting less than $10,000 are encouraged.
September 22, 2017
WRRC 2016 Annual Report Synopsis Now Available for Download
Each year, WRRC faculty and staff devote long hours to production of a detailed Annual Report, containing a wealth of information on our yearly accomplishments, finances, and multiple water programs across Arizona. We have now made available a 4-page synopsis of our 2016 Annual Report that can be downloaded here. This report contains metrics on all of our programs that address water issues with greater depth and broader perspective, towards a clear water future for Arizona.
September 15, 2017
Teachers Learn From Hydrologists at Professional Conference Workshop
Broad smiles and happy faces were the end result of Arizona Project WET (APW)'s recent Arizona Hydrological Society (AHS) Symposium 2017 Teacher Workshop, sponsored by the AHS Foundation. The theme of this year's AHS Symposium was "How to Keep the Water Flowing?" which focused on the timely topic of Colorado River shortage sharing.
September 05, 2017
WRRC Conference 2018 - The Business of Water
Water is everyone’s business and the business of water affects everyone. On Wednesday, March 28, 2018, The Business of Water will be front and center at the University of Arizona (UA) Water Resources Research Center’s Annual Conference, which will be held at the University of Arizona Student Union in Tucson, Arizona.
Online Tools
Beyond the Mirage
A full feature documentary that tells the story about the future of water in the west. From that documentary, make your own movie from hundreds of quality clips.
Water Use Dashboard™
Get conservation tips, track water savings, and make your drops count! Connecting voluntary water conservation with community action.
UA Water Network
Water is one of our most precious resources and an ever-growing focus for research, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
Desert Landscaping
Cultivate your knowledge of desert landscaping with this valuable resource for desert gardening.
