In 2010, Pima Association of Governments co-convened the Regional Water Assessment Task Force to assist the region in shaping its efforts to achieve a sustainable water future. A series of four computer network-based ThinkTank sessions were held to gain input and guidance on priority regional water issues as well as management options from stakeholders throughout the Tucson Active Management Area. The sixty four participants included elected officials, municipal managers, public and private utility managers, water attorneys, representatives from Central Arizona Project, state and federal agencies, Indian nations, University of Arizona, and people that represented economic, environmental, agricultural, and mining interests. In response to the following questions, participants generated nearly 900 responses, each of which they ranked as high, medium or low importance or priority.
1. What regional water issues need to be addressed?
2. What could our water use priorities be at a regional level?
3. How can water resources be managed at a regional level?
4. How can water use be managed at a regional level?
5. How can water infrastructure for the region be funded?
The report includes tables showing the responses and analysis results. The Task Force focused on those ideas that gained the highest level of consensus to identify several ThinkTank themes, which are described in the report. In addition, several regional priorities emerged out of the ideas and the Task Force went one step further to conceptualizes how Regional Solution/Strategy Groups might be used to help the region follow up on the ideas generated through the sessions.08/10/2011