News Summary
Arizona is confronting a critical water crisis, especially in the San Carlos Irrigation and Drainage District, which is expected to run out of water by September 2023. Farmers are increasingly reliant on wells due to the ongoing drought, presenting risks to crop yields. The San Carlos Reservoir’s capacity has drastically diminished, raising alarms for local agriculture. The broader implications on water management and agricultural sustainability are concerning, as federal water cuts continue due to low Colorado River levels.
Arizona is facing a significant water shortage, particularly affecting the San Carlos Irrigation and Drainage District, which is expected to run out of water by September 2023. As the persistent drought continues to ravage the state, farmers in central Arizona are increasingly reliant on wells, a development that poses substantial risks to their crops for the upcoming year.
Current data shows that the San Carlos Reservoir, which supports agricultural irrigation, holds only 8,627 acre-feet of water as of September 10, 2023. This is a stark reduction from approximately 500,000 acre-feet in early 2023, and well below its total capacity of around 900,000 acre-feet. This alarming situation raises concerns about the immediate future of local agriculture in the region, which spans between Florence and Casa Grande and relies on the Gila River for its water supply.
Water stored behind the Coolidge Dam at the San Carlos Reservoir caters to both the Gila River Indian Community and non-tribal farmers. The extreme depletion of the reservoir has driven the business manager to indicate that farming operations are dependent on sufficient water to complete their current crops, which are critically essential for farmers cultivating cotton, alfalfa, and grains. Lack of adequate surface water could result in total crop loss for many farmers, and those lacking access to well groundwater may not be able to plant any crops until surface water returns.
Despite farmers receiving a significantly reduced water allotment of just 0.68 acre-feet per acre for the year 2025, predicting the exact timeline for water depletion remains challenging. Variations in daily withdrawal requests contribute to this uncertainty, but hope remains for water supplies to extend through the end of September 2023.
Underlying Issues and Historical Context
The crisis affecting the San Carlos Irrigation and Drainage District is not an isolated issue. It mirrors a broader context of water depletion across Arizona, exacerbated by a weak winter snowpack and variable monsoon seasons. The region has been grappling with drought for over 30 years, leading to significant depletion of water resources and increased strain on agricultural operations.
In particular, Pinal County farmers lost their allocation of Colorado River water in 2021 following the first shortage declaration. A recent study has indicated that rising demand and prolonged drought have pushed the Colorado River system close to collapse, resulting in lower reservoir levels across the region. Presently, Salt River Project reservoirs are at about 54% of their capacity, highlighting the critical water management challenges that lie ahead.
Current Climate Conditions
The climate situation remains precarious. While summer temperatures have not been as extreme as in previous years, persistently dry conditions continue to affect the region. Normal precipitation patterns vary significantly in the desert Southwest, and while it is possible for weather patterns to replenish water supplies with above-normal snowfall in winter, the current outlook suggests warmer, drier conditions ahead.
On August 15, 2023, federal water managers announced that Tier 1 water cuts would extend into another year due to the ongoing drought affecting the Colorado River. These cuts primarily impact Arizona and Nevada, resulting in a loss of 18% and 7% of their annual Colorado River allocations, respectively. Currently, Lake Mead’s elevation is roughly 1,054 feet above sea level, drastically below capacity levels.
The Colorado River serves as a vital water source for approximately 40 million people across several states, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable water management practices. As Arizona navigates this water crisis, the implications for agriculture, local communities, and the environment continue to unravel.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZCentral: San Carlos Reservoir Dry
- Wikipedia: Water Crisis
- AZ Mirror: Colorado River Water Cuts
- Google Search: Arizona Water Crisis
- KTAR: Phoenix Water Supply Drought
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Supply
- AZ Family: Arizona Receiving Less Water
- Google News: Arizona Drought
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
