The WRRC is pleased to welcome two new team members: student research assistant Ian Cann and AmeriCorps member Julia Denton.

The University of Arizona recently announced its 2024 Women of Impact, an honor presented annually to special university faculty and staff women “whose work drives discovery, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, builds community impact, and empowers others.”

On November 12, 2024, we held a Water Webinar to celebrate the WRRC’s 60th anniversary. Brief presentations about the WRRC’s past accomplishments and current programs were followed by comments from University of Arizona officials, WRRC colleagues, and former student workers.

The WRRC is excited to begin a new water history timeline project in the Upper Verde River Watershed! In 2013, the WRRC worked with stakeholders in the Upper Gila Watershed to collect stories and events important to this watershed and create the “Shared History of the Upper Gila Watershed” timeline.

On October 30, 2024, the Worldly Women Collective hosted an evening gathering to feature women’s leadership in water management. A panel of women leaders from the field of water highlighted the powerful role of women in driving the future of water management, sustainability, and innovation, emphasizing that women's voices are essential to progress both locally and globally.

Some old and new friends of the WRRC have recently been named 2024 Women Achievers of Arizona. Water community honorees include Terri Sue C. Rossi, Vice President of Water Resources, Arizona Water Company; Chelsea McGuire, Assistant Director, External Affairs, Water Infrastructure Finance Authority; and Vineetha Kartha, Colorado Rivers Program Manager, Central Arizona Project.

On October 31, the WRRC hosted a presentation and book signing by the author of Living River: The Promise of the Mighty Colorado. During his presentation, Dave Showalter accompanied a series of stunning photographs featured in the book with personal stories of his travels through the Colorado River basin.

The WRRC is requesting applications for a GIS and mapping postdoctoral research position (postdoc). The postdoc will work with partners, including local, state, nonprofit, private, sector, federal, and academic partners, to assist with the development of data analysis and mapping projects, including an update to the Arizona Water Map poster.

Arizona’s rivers, once vibrant and full of life, have transformed into ghostly reminders of what they once were. The Santa Cruz River in Tucson is a prime example of this haunting change. Flowing freely through the desert for thousands of years, the Santa Cruz River supported lush riparian habitats and diverse wildlife.

Beginning on November 7, graduate students at the University of Arizona can register for Spring 2025 semester classes. Starting on Friday, January 17, 2025, WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal will again be teaching her course, “Water Policy in Arizona and Semi-arid Regions,” weekly from 9:00–11:30 am.