There are 7 states in the Colorado River Basin (Basin), all which employ various levels of water reuse. For example, Arizona has a robust water recycling program. Research indicates that Arizona recycles over half of its treated wastewater, placing it at the forefront of water recycling efforts within the Basin, second only to Nevada.
Arizona's success in recycling is demonstrated by the diverse applications of reclaimed water across various sectors, including agriculture, groundwater replenishment, and industrial uses like power plant cooling. These practical examples underscore the adaptability and effectiveness of wastewater reuse in enhancing water security.
This proactive approach demonstrates the viability of wastewater reuse as a key strategy to augment limited water supplies in a region grappling with persistent water scarcity.
According to a recent study, if all Basin states recycled in the same way, an estimated 1.3 million acre-feet of water could be added to the Basin's overall supply annually. However, we must also consider the rules of prior appropriation and how this may impact downstream users who rely on these resources within the Basin.
The study also reveals a significant impediment to broader progress across the Colorado River Basin: the fragmented and often inaccessible nature of wastewater reuse data. Researchers encountered considerable difficulties in compiling comprehensive information, highlighting a need for standardized data collection and reporting mechanisms. The lack of a Basin-wide data infrastructure hinders a clear understanding of current wastewater reuse practices and limits the ability to strategically implement effective water scarcity solutions.
The study emphasizes the critical need for improved transparency and accessibility of wastewater reuse data within the Colorado River Basin. Reliable data is fundamental for informed water resource management, the development of sound water policy, and the scaling up of successful water scarcity solutions. Standardized data collection would empower stakeholders to identify best practices, track progress, and make evidence-based decisions to enhance the basin's long-term water security. Read the full study here.
