Our groundwater is in trouble. Aquifer levels in the Prescott Active Management Area are dropping, the flow of the upper Verde River is declining and increasing numbers of rural wells are going dry. There are solutions to our water woes but it is critically important that action is taken now. Gary Beverly, Executive Committee member of the Citizens Water Advocacy Group (CWAG), discussed what can be done to protect our groundwater by developing regionally agreed upon conservation measures.  You can see Gary's slides here (pdf copy).

Beverly's presentation underscored the importance of regional cooperation and planning in reducing the rate of groundwater loss and preserving our aquifers for future generations. At the state legislature, a unified regional voice is needed to advocate for updated and stronger groundwater laws and to work for the passage of the Rural Management Authority Act, which was defeated in the previous legislature. Beverly talked about how the Rural Management Authority Act would enable county Boards of Supervisors and municipalities to work together to effectively solve groundwater issues at the local level.

An effective conservation program is another important component of a successful water sustainability strategy, and that, too, relies on regional cooperation. Competition for groundwater allocation has traditionally overshadowed the importance of a shared commitment to sustainability across municipalities, resulting in the serious situation we find ourselves in now. Beverly addressed the need for a regional water plan that evaluates aggressive conservation, water recharge and augmentation methods, conservation easements, direct potable reuse, water-neutral development and other ways to reduce water use.  Extensive audience comments and questions followed the presentation.

Gary Beverly joined CWAG in 2010 and is currently a member of the Executive Committee and Public Policy Committee Chair. He holds a PhD degree in Physical Chemistry from the University of California and previously taught physical science and alternative energy at Yavapai College, and worked as a farmer, contractor, and businessman. Since retiring, he is an environmental activist focused on protecting the Verde River.