Tucson water supply, is there enough?
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Tammy Vo reports at 5 Video by kgun9.com
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Tucson is able to save around half a years worth of water, each year
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Millions of gallons of water are being stored in recharging basins 45 minutes west of Tucson
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Fernando Molina of Tucson Water says that customers are paying for "reliability"
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85% of Tucson's water supply comes from the Colorado River
As Safford, AZ deals with a water crisis, 9 On Your Side wants to know if the same thing could happen in Tucson?
Reporter: Tammy Vo
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Watering your lawn for more than two hours? That'll cost you $100. Installing a new pool? That'll be a $250 fine. Giving a glass of water to every one of your restaurant customers? Add another $250. That's what residents in Safford, Arizona are dealing with thanks to the drought.
So, what's the deal in Tucson? Fernando Molina, Public Information Officer with the Tucson Water Department gave 9 On Your Side a look at a restricted area about 45 minutes west of Tucson. The city buys huge amounts of water stored in these giant pools called "recharging basins". That water comes from the Colorado River. The basins then pump water out to customers throughout the Tucson area.
"We are actually recharging more water than we are using on an annual basis so we are building up our water bank account, so to speak, by putting more water in the ground than we use" said Molina. He added that Tucson residents have been efficient with their water conservation and should continue to do so with everyday actions like making sure your dishwasher is full when you run it, as well as getting a water efficient toilet which will get you a rebate from the city.
What about a backup plan should the Colorado River experience drought? Each year, Tucson Water is saving up a water supply that amounts to about half a years worth. The city also maintains ground water wells as a backup.
What about increases in customer's water bills? The City says that it's using that money to expand and maintain their water storage basins and that customers are paying for reliability, to ensure that water will be there tomorrow.
For more information on how to conserve water, click here.
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