On October 23, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) announced that the Director is proposing formation of an Active Management Area (AMA) within the boundaries of the Willcox groundwater basin in southeastern Arizona. A public hearing on the proposal will be held, beginning at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Willcox Community Center.

On October 17, guests from the University of Arizona and across the state visited Curry Seed & Chile Company in Pearce, AZ, for a tour organized by WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal. Curry Farms president and founder Ed Curry is a fourth-generation farmer, has been growing chiles since he was a child, and developed a lifelong interest in chile genetics.

A meeting of the Central Arizona Project (CAP) Board of Directors held on October 10 included a guest presentation on the work of the Water Resources Research Center by Director Sharon B. Megdal. The presentation featured ongoing WRRC projects and goals, including applied research, outreach and engagement, education, and partnerships.

In October, the U of A College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences renewed WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal’s appointment as the C.W. and Modene Neely Endowed Professor for Excellence in Agriculture and Life Sciences. The College waived the usual five-year review, based on annual performance reviews and the recommendation of Environmental Science Department head Jon Chorover. Megdal’s appointment was extended to the end of the 2028-2029 academic year.

On October 16, the WRRC hosted a Water Webinar, titled “Meaningful Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on Inland Waters in Australia.” Attendees heard from two speakers from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: First Nations Water Branch Head Sheryl Hedges and Director for First Nations Engagement Brandon Etto.

The Pinal County Water Factsheet is now available! As the 15th and final installment in the WRRC’s Arizona Water Factsheet series, this resource provides an in-depth look at Pinal County's water resources, highlighting the critical role of both groundwater and surface water supplies that support agricultural production and growing population centers.

Last week I had the opportunity to travel to the gorgeous city of Sedona for the first time in my life, in support of the Arizona Water Festival that took place on October 10. Despite being the first Water Festival in this community in many years, the event was a smashing success, with eight 4th grade classes from across Sedona joining us at Posse Grounds Park for a day of place-based water adventures. For myself, the trip was a whirlwind of excitement and fun.

In recent weeks, WRRC staff participated in two community events with longstanding partners. On October 11, Program Manager Garland Speight and Associate Director Jamie McEvoy traveled to Globe, AZ, to meet with members of the Cobre Valley Watershed Partnership.

A presentation on the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP) by WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal was featured at the 50th anniversary celebration of the U of A School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) on October 9. The presentation covered the history of TAAP, its accomplishments since authorizing legislation was passed by the US Congress in 2006, and lessons learned through the years.

The Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) turned 60 this year! Join us for a 60th Anniversary program in celebration of the WRRC’s accomplishments in water research, outreach, education, and engagement.