The basic principles governing the
Arizona League of Conservation Voters’ water policy positions are sustainability and equity. In our view, a sustainable water policy framework is one which would recognize the needs of wildlife and the habitat; ensures a secure, safe and ample water supply for human needs; and makes allowance for both of those values in the overall state water budget. Equity would entail ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water for all Arizona residents, within a framework that reflects the true economic and non-economic value of water to both people and the environment, and which ensures that the economic and environmental costs of water management are recognized in water planning.
The Arizona League of Conservation Voters Supports: - Restoration of the full $5 million General Fund appropriation to the Arizona Water Protection Fund (it was funded $1 million for 2007-2008). AWPF is Arizona’s sole state funding source for the preservation and restoration of riparian (stream-side) habitats, and has gone almost entirely without funding since 1999. It is time to re-invest in this important program.
- Restoration of funding to the Arizona Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF), to provide the revenues necessary to ensure timely and adequate clean up of groundwater contamination.
- Funding for the study and analysis of water resources in Arizona, including study of water quality problems, hydrologic conditions throughout the state, statewide water demand and use, and methods to improve management and planning of our water resources. In order to manage our water resources more wisely,
our resource managers must have the information needed to make long-term, forward-thinking decisions.
- Measures to protect the few remaining intact and functioning riparian, or stream-side, habitats. More than 90% of Arizona’s riparian habitats have disappeared or been altered due in large part to water development, diversion, groundwater pumping, and other human impacts. These areas support a great diversity of wildlife, including migratory birds, as well as great array of tourism and recreation activities.
- Other efforts to ensure better long-term management of our precious water resources and which incorporate conservation values.
