Last week, WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal and Associate Director Jamie McEvoy traveled to Hermosillo, the capital of the Mexican state of Sonora, to participate in a Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP) workshop. Director Megdal described the workshop as “participatory, positive, and productive.” In coordination with representatives from the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC/CILA - US and Mexican sections), collaborators from the Department of Geology at the University of Sonora (Unison) helped organize the workshop, which was held on the Unison campus September 10–11. Other TAAP partners in attendance included representatives from the US Geological Survey (USGS), the National and State Commissions of Water in Mexico (CONAGUA and CEA, respectively), and the Mexican Geological Service (SGM). Director Megdal had the opportunity to share remarks on the importance of engagement and outreach and discuss the factors that contribute to successful transboundary outcomes. As described in her recent Reflections, this includes “eating with your partners,” illustrated in the photo of our dinner with TAAP partners!
WRRC Remembers and Mourns Loss of Michael Campana
The WRRC notes with sorrow the sudden passing of Michael Campana, a major national and international figure in water resources and a friend. Throughout his distinguished career, he was a pioneer in many areas, including water research, raising water awareness, promoting cooperation, and hydrophilanthropy. After earning his MS and PhD in hydrology at U of A, he taught at the University of New Mexico and Oregon State University and held leadership positions in professional and scientific organizations, including the American Water Resources Association, National Ground Water Association, Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers, and the Global Water Partnership. Accomplishments too numerous to list include founding a philanthropic organization that supports water, sanitation, and hygiene in Central America and creating the popular Water Wired blog. WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal knew Campana personally and commented, “A proud alumnus of the University of Arizona, Michael was a passionate teacher, mentor, researcher, and communicator. His service to the profession and to the advancement of water management through his many activities, including his philanthropy, was exemplary. I will miss him.” Donations in memory of Michael Campana can be made to the Ann Campana Judge Foundation, which he founded to honor his sister who was a 9/11 victim, or to the Mary Frances and Michael Campana Fund at the OSU Foundation (both links provided below).
Webinar Features San Diego's Water Resilience
At a WRRC Water Webinar held on September 16, “ReImagining Water Resiliency – The San Diego Story,” San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) General Manager Dan Denham described how San Diego developed one of the most resilient water supplies in the southwest. SDCWA provides water to 3.3 million people. In the 1990s, concerns about southern California’s water future, caused by drought and cutbacks to Colorado River water deliveries, prompted a series of water management changes. Since 2000, SDCWA has strategically invested over $3 billion in supply reliability projects, including raising San Vicente Dam to double storage capacity, constructing the Carlsbad Seawater Desalination Plant, introducing potable water reuse, and improving water-use efficiency. An exchange agreement with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, made possible through aggressive water conservation efforts, delivers an additional 200,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water from the Imperial and Coachella Valleys to the San Diego region. Having secured reliable water supplies for the foreseeable future, SDCWA is no longer undertaking new major projects but has shifted to maintaining current assets. Denham spoke about the challenges of keeping water affordable while maintaining system reliability and adapting to climate variability. Following the presentation, Denham was joined by SDCWA Director of Strategic Initiatives Meena Westford for a Q&A with the audience. A recording of the webinar and a PDF of Denham’s presentation slides are available on the WRRC website.
Making a Splash: Groundwater Lessons Flow into Classrooms
This week marked Arizona Project WET’s first back-to-school groundwater presentation. Featuring revamped materials and lessons, the presentation engaged students with hands-on learning on groundwater. Four classes of 7th graders participated, diving into activities that helped them understand the connection between groundwater and surface water and the importance of groundwater in Arizona’s water system. The students’ enthusiasm and curiosity were evident as they explored the journey of water beneath the surface. APW’s newly updated lessons have proven to be a hit, and APW is excited to see these future water stewards in the making. With engaging content and interactive demonstrations, APW is building the foundation for water conservation awareness in the next generation.
UN Appoints First-Ever Special Envoy on Water
The United Nations has appointed the first UN Special Envoy on Water, Retno L.P. Marsudi. This historic appointment elevates ongoing efforts to advance the UN water goals, including Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Systemwide Strategy on Water and Sanitation. Marsudi will represent the UN Secretary-General as a champion and high-level advocate on water and sanitation issues and will be an active participant in building cooperation to address the global water crisis. For the past ten years, Marsudi has served as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and in 2024 she oversaw the hosting of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali. Before that, Marsudi served as Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands from 2012–2014 and Ambassador to Iceland and Norway from 2005–2008.