Cobre Valley Water: Information and Resources

Water Handwork for Cobre Valley

This HANDBOOK provides an introduction and snapshot in time of current water-related topics based on available data, especially as they relate to water supply and demand in Cobre Valley.  

University of Arizona College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture

Over the spring 2019 semester, the WRRC collaborated with the University of Arizona College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA) to develop planning resources for the Globe-Miami area. As part of a capstone course, instructed by Professor Arlie Adkins, six graduate Planning students assessed the region and developed a framework to increase economic development opportunities for the rural communities through the lens of environmental stewardship. WRRC Research Analyst, Ashley Hullinger, served on the project advisory committee, helping to arrange stakeholder meetings and providing feedback and background information about the region. The results of the student project were presented at the Second Cobre Valley Forum on Water in April to an enthusiastic reception. 
The Planning Project Report is available to view and download here: Cobre Valley CHEER: 5-4-3 Framework
The Planning project group also worked with a Landscape Architecture group, instructed by Professor Kelly Cederberg, that developed a design proposal for a Cobre Valley Rail Trail - 9.4 mile multi-use trail connecting Miami, Globe, and the Tri-Cities area.
The Landscape Architecture Project Report is available to download here: Cobre Valley Rail Trail

University of Arizona Law School Natural Resources Clinic

In 2018, the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law Natural Resource Use and Managment Clinic partnered with the WRRC to prepare an overview of water rights adjudication, groundwater management, and potential Clean Water Act jurisdiction as they relate to rights and activities in the Cobre Valley. This memo answers the questions:

  1. How does the ongoing Gila River adjudication impact the water giths of water users in the Cobre Valley?
  2. What legal groundwater management mechanisms are being implemented in the Cobre Valley Watershed?
  3. How does the Clean Water Act apply use of groundwater and surface water in the Cobre Valley?

Small Town Forum Presentations

On September 6, 2018, over 50 local leaders, experts, and stakeholders came together for the Cobre Valley Small Town Forum on Water. The morning sessions included 12 presentations and provided important baseline information about Cobre Valley water resources with different perspectives on local challenges, successess, and opportunities for collaboration.