Huachuca Audubon Society Conservation Committee
Conservation News
The Upper San Pedro Water District
What is your view of the condition of the San Pedro River today? Are you satisfied with the steps taken by local government and the local community to protect our river? Have you ever wanted to do more to protect and preserve the San Pedro River but found it difficult to find a way to do this? The Upper San Pedro Water District (USPWD) may offer you an opportunity to work with others to find meaningful ways to protect and preserve our lovely river.
The importance of the San Pedro River to national, state, local and even international interests has been an ongoing concern for many years. In 2007 the Arizona Legislature enacted House Bill 2300 enabling the establishment of the USPWD, if approved by local voters. The proposed District is intended to have a significant component of "local control" over water management decisions. The District will be overseen by a Board of Directors comprised of seven members who must all be elected by the registered voters residing within the District's boundaries. Until such time that a District has been approved by the voters, a gubernatorial and legislatively appointed nine member Organizing Board has been established and is responsible for organizing the election to approve or disapprove the formation of a District and elect the first permanent board members.
Since 2007, the USPWD Organizing Board has worked to prepare a number of plans associated with a potential Water District, including a draft Comprehensive Water Resources Plan, which describes the manner in which a permanent board would meet its responsibilities.
If permanently established, the USPWD will be tasked with the responsibility to maintain the aquifer and base flow conditions needed to sustain the Upper San Pedro River and to assist in meeting the water supply needs and water conservation requirements for Fort Huachuca and the communities within the water district.
In early 2010, the public will be given an opportunity to comment on the proposed water district and on the specific items they expect to see in the Comprehensive Water Resources Plan. This will perhaps result in a revised Comprehensive Water Resources Plan. The water district's area encompasses the Sierra Vista Sub-watershed, which runs roughly from just north of Huachuca City west to the base of the Huachuca Mountains south to the border then east to the western edge of Bisbee and north to just west of Tombstone.
If the USPWD becomes a reality, the local community will have a dedicated organization with locally elected officials authorized to develop and pursue projects to protect the San Pedro River and our precious water supplies.
Rarely has our local community had such an opportunity to influence the future of the river and our water supply needs. The best way to do this is by understanding the water district and by participating in the upcoming public meetings. Start the New Year by helping to ensure that sustainable water supplies remain here for future generations and for the San Pedro River.
Possibly in November 2010, voters in this sub-watershed will then get a chance to vote on whether or not to make the USPWD permanent.
Tricia Gerrodette - Conservation Chair
January 24, 2010
Last updated: 24 January 2010 by REW.
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