2018 Year in Review: The biggest news stories of the year
As the New Year approaches, compiling a list of the top stories in the Arizona water industry is always a challenge because there’s always a lot to choose from. But 2018 truly was more eventful than other years in recent memory.
From the increased efforts of Drought Contingency Planning, to a wildfire season unlike any other, to the ongoing drought declarations within the Southwest, take a look back at some of the key moments in 2018, as they were reported by Arizona Water News.
Drought Contingency Planning
The State’s water managers and affected stakeholders have been engaged for almost a year to craft and finalize Arizona’s Drought Contingency Plan (DCP). This effort, led by both the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (the CAP), is directed toward “bending the curve” to protect Lake Mead from falling to critical levels.
The Implementation Plan is nearly in place. However, there is still some work to do.
Top Articles:
- Getting To The Finish Line: What’s Next For Colorado River Drought Contingency Planning?
- How Will AZDCP Fit Into The Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plan?
- The DCP Makes CO River Delivery Shortfalls Less Painful, But It Doesn’t Make Them Go Away
Drought
Arid conditions and low precipitation patterns across most parts of the state make Arizona susceptible to and affected by drought. The state has experienced drought conditions since the mid-1990s.
With the exception of a reasonably good monsoon season, the drying trend continued with Arizona experiencing one of its driest years ever.
Top Articles:
- Drought ICG Recommends Continuing ‘Drought Emergency Declaration’ For Arizona
- 2018 Drought Preparedness Annual Report Makes For Extremely Dry Reading
Technology
As the world of technology evolves, so must we or we get left behind. That’s why water managers continue to utilize and develop technologies and concepts that can accomplish multiple goals at once, all centered around saving water.
Additionally, continuing to empower and educate future generations to ensure innovation and success in the world of water management is just as important.
Top Articles:
- New ADWR Web App Answers An Age-Old Question: Where Does My Water Come From?
- New ADWR “Story Map” Uses High-Tech Imagery To Tell Story Of Willcox Area Land Subsidence
- Online, Interactive Program Featuring STEM Professionals Taps Water Resources Talent
Environment
During these critical times in the arid west, it's not unusual for water to make the news. However, in 2018, there seemed to be an increase in environmental coverage that continued to make the headlines.
Top Articles:
- Proposed Plans In Works To Replace Environmentally Hazardous Sewage System In Nogales
- Working Out The Bugs: CO River Researchers Work To Increase Bug Populations To Fatten Fish
- Facing Down Arizona’s Impending Wildfire Season
Weather/Hydrology
With snow conditions in the Upper Colorado River basin producing between 50 percent and 90 percent of average precipitation, Arizona’s 2017- 2018 winter proved to be one of the driest on record.
The consequences? They were exactly what one would expect.
Top Articles:
- Why An Enormous, Persistent Arctic Low-Pressure System Is Helping Dry Out The American SW
- Historically Dry Winter Means Lake Mead May Be Closer To Shortfall Than People Think
- Not By Much: Colorado River System To Stay Out Of Shortfall Status Through 2019
Water Managing (Cities & Rural)
Because of the ongoing drought and the anticipated Lake Mead shortage in 2020, the State’s water managers and affected stakeholders have been sharing their views on best practices for delivering water to their communities.
Top Articles:
- Adapting To Drought: Municipal Water Managers Discuss Strategies For Drought Preparation
- For Arizona’s Large-Scale Water Users, “Water Awareness Month” Never Ends