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A research and extension unit of the

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

A graphic depicting a Saguaro cactus against a yellow background with a river flowing nearby
Apr 29 - 12:00pm MST
Brown Bag
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Brown Bag Webinar: Tucson Water Turnaround: Crisis to Success

Webinar Only

Marie S. Pearthree, Former Deputy General Manager, Central Arizona Project

Apr 29 - 12:00pm to 1:15pm MST
PDF icon Tucson Water Turnaround: Crisis to Success View the Recorded Webinar Here

A corrosive-water debacle in Tucson preceded the lead contamination issues in Flint, MI by over two decades. In 1992, Tucson Water began delivery of Colorado River water from the Central Arizona Project (CAP). Putting treated CAP water into the existing groundwater distribution system caused a devastating corrosion problem that resulted in broken pipes and rusty water flowing from customer taps.

This talk presents the results of an in-depth investigation into the crisis and chronicles how Tucson Water changed its management practices, restored its credibility, ended over pumping of its groundwater, and created a more sustainable water supply. The “lessons learned” from this cautionary tale are applicable to any water utility considering modifying water supplies and/or treatment processes or needing to turn around a public relations crisis. The presentation follows the recent publication of a book under the same title, co-authored by Pearthree and Mike McGuire.

Marie Pearthree has over 38 years of experience in the water industry. She has held a wide variety of positions in consulting engineering, hydrology and water utility management including Deputy Director at Tucson Water and Deputy General Manager at the Central Arizona Project. She received a City of Tucson Public Service Excellence Award in 2003 and the George Warren Fuller Award from the American Water Works Association in 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from Oberlin College, a Master’s of Science in Geosciences from the University of Arizona, and is a registered Professional Engineer (Civil).

Upcoming Events

Feb 3 12:00PM
Brown Bag

Brown Bag Webinar: Recovery of Arizona Water Bank Credits to Mitigate Shortages on the...

The Arizona Water Banking Authority (AWBA) has accrued over 3.8 million acre-feet of credits to provide firming for Arizona water users during shortages on the Colorado River. Planning for future recovery of AWBA credits involves collaboration between the AWBA, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), the Central Arizona Project (CAP), and stakeholders. In coordination with the Recovery Planning Advisory Group, this interagency workgroup will release an update to the 2014 Joint Recovery Plan in early 2021.

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17th Annual WRRC Chocolate Fest - This Year Held on Zoom

Don't miss the WRRC Chocolate Fest—this year held on Zoom. Prepare your favorite homemade chocolate treat to share virtually in this Chocolate Delight Show & Tell. A real chocolate prize goes to the Fest favorite, so decorate your cocoa confection to impress!  

Participants are encouraged to share their recipes via chat. Then Celebrate the 2020 Photo Contest winners with a slide show and insights into what makes a winning photo. 

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