Phoenix Faces Land Subsidence Threat Affecting Residents and Infrastructure

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An aerial view of Phoenix highlighting the impact of land subsidence on urban infrastructure.

News Summary

Phoenix is experiencing a significant land subsidence threat, with the ground sinking at 0.8 millimeters per year. Approximately 1.4 million residents are impacted, and 113,000 buildings are at medium to high risk. Researchers emphasize that groundwater extraction is the main cause of this subsidence, which poses considerable risks to infrastructure and public safety. With ongoing population growth and climate-related droughts, proactive planning and awareness are crucial to mitigate the impacts of this pressing issue.

Phoenix is facing a significant land subsidence threat, with the ground sinking at a rate of 0.8 millimeters per year, affecting approximately 1.4 million residents, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Cities. Among those impacted, around 113,000 buildings are categorized as medium to high risk, while an additional 172 buildings have been identified as high risk.

Land subsidence manifests in various forms, including uneven sidewalks, damage to building foundations, cracked pavement, slanting floors, and malfunctioning doors and windows. Researchers led by Leonard Ohenhen from Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory have emphasized that even minor yearly subsidence can accumulate over time, resulting in substantial structural damage.

Specific regions in south and east Phoenix exhibit more pronounced rates of sinking, particularly near the Salt River and the Old Skunk Creek landfill, where some areas are experiencing subsidence of up to 2 centimeters annually. Despite the majority of Phoenix’s water supply coming from the Salt and Verde Rivers and the Colorado River, groundwater extraction remains the primary cause of land subsidence across the nation, indicating an ongoing need for management of this critical resource.

The study highlights concerning statistics nationwide, revealing that 20% of the area in the 28 most populous U.S. cities is sinking, with many inland cities—including Phoenix—beginning to face similar issues traditionally associated with coastal regions. Cities in Texas, in particular, experience some of the highest rates of land subsidence in the country.

Land subsidence poses significant threats to infrastructure, including roads, buildings, bridges, and dams, increasing their vulnerability and potentially heightening flood risks. There is a pressing concern that the common misconception of subsidence being a solely coastal issue leads to delayed community responses and preventative measures.

Historically, land subsidence was a prominent issue in Phoenix, particularly due to extensive farming practices. However, conservation regulations implemented in the 1980s helped to mitigate groundwater usage, leading to some recovery. Nevertheless, the latest findings suggest that continued population growth, coupled with the effects of climate-related droughts, will likely exacerbate subsidence challenges in the future.

In response to these findings, researchers recommend that city planners incorporate subsidence considerations into zoning laws, infrastructure upgrades, and flood preparedness initiatives. Failure to address this issue could result in increased risks for the community as subsidence continues to affect the built environment and public safety in Phoenix.

As the city navigates this evolving challenge, awareness and proactive planning will be crucial in mitigating the impacts of land subsidence and safeguarding the future of its infrastructure and residents.