At his talk on water on Tuesday in Tempe, Gov. Doug Ducey issued stern-sounding warnings that California should keep its hands off Arizona's Colorado River water supplies. Neither he nor anyone else there offered any specifics as to how that might happen -- here's Ducey's words:
"There should be no fallout from the water situation that might limit or affect Arizona by the Interior Secretary." He also said: "Arizona already takes the lion share of Colorado River shortages. Federal actions that might further impact Arizona are not warranted and might not be equitable."
Afterward, the Star asked the Arizona Department of Water Resources, which participates in regional water discussions over the Colorado River with other river basin states, what if anything it knows about the possibilities of California going after some of Arizona's water. Here's the reply from Michelle Moreno, the department's spokeswoman:
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"ADWR is not aware of any California efforts intended to take a portion of Arizona’s water supply directly. However, any changes to Colorado River operations could affect everyone who relies on the River. ADWR is always cognizant of that possibility and will consider the possibility that a proposal could have unintended consequences for Arizona water users.
“ADWR fully supports the statements made by Governor Ducey. California has put themselves into a dire situation and we anticipate that the federal government will want to help California, which could come at Arizona’s expense. As the governor stated, Arizona should not be punished for doing the right thing.”
Also, since the governor offered no specifics about what solutions he or other officials might offer to counteract Lake Mead's declining reservoir levels, the Star asked Moreno if the department knew of comprehensive solutions to the lake's problems that are on the table. Here's her reply:
"The situation in Lake Mead is a complex issue that will require a complex solution with participation by all of the Colorado River Basin States. Arizona is eager to address the issue, but cannot resolve it alone. We are continuing to seek the support of the Secretary and the other Basin States in our efforts."
