Drip, Drop Down the Water Hole
Over 70 percent of Earth is covered by water, but many countries struggle to keep a sufficient water supply. This is because out of that percentage, only 1% is freshwater. In the United States, Arizona, a state is known for its desert atmosphere, has always encountered problems when it comes to H2O. One of the primary sources for water in Arizona is the Colorado River, which also supplies water to California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. The water shared between these seven states is known as “The Law of the River.” This law allows Arizona to use 2.8 million acre-feet of the river every year. An acre-foot equals approximately 325,851 gallons of water. Arizona also uses water from surface areas, groundwater, and reclaimed water, but what is the water being used for?
Each state has different purposes for their water, although they do share similarities. Arizona uses approximately 8 million acre-feet of water every year according to The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center. The Arizona Experience claims 69% of the water is used for agricultural purposes, 25% for municipal purposes and only 6% for industrial uses. Although 6% sounds like a small amount for industries to use, it equals about 400,000 acre-feet. Industries use this water in a variety of ways including mining and power generation. On a good note, most of the water used with electricity can be recycled water. A majority of the golf courses in the sunshine state also use effluent water for irrigation.
Despite the location of most of Arizona’s water resources, there are programs designed to help relocate the water where it is needed. The Central Arizona Project (CAP) was created in 1984 as a way to develop water security and stability for future generations. The CAP delivers water to the Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties in Arizona, where 80% of the population resides. Most of the water is obtained from the Colorado River and Lake Havasu. If you’ve ever driven around the valley, you have undoubtedly seen the long canal full of water that the CAP has relocated. The CAP conducts annual reports to share new research and findings of Arizona’s water supply.
As I called upon inspiration for a picture, I was trying to think of something with a vast amount of history. Water makes up not only most of the world but also the human body. After shooting the image first, then conducting my research, I have a new admiration for water in Arizona. I placed my ice cubes onto of a cactus to symbolize the location. Now, I feel empowered that I supplied the desert plant with fluids for the day and hoped that others are inspired to conserve water.
