Restricting water rights usage during summer months in Phoenix, Arizona.

Introduction

The potential for water resources in Phoenix, Arizona ranges from 1,000-2,000 mcm including recycled treated wastewater. There are possibilities for additional resources by restoration of water rights from the Phoenix, Arizona River. Incremental water supply can be increased through expensive measures such as cross boundary transfer of water and desalination.

Restricting water rights usage during summer months in Phoenix, Arizona.

In 1993, about 983 mcm of water were exploited by various sectors. Renewable and nonrenewable groundwater contributed about 534 mcm, while surface water contributed only 401 mcm. The remaining 48 mcm came from treated wastewater. The 1993 water consumption from all resources is divided as follows:

214 mcm for municipal purposes, around 738 mcm for agricultural irrigation of about 625,000 dunums ( 65,000 hectars ). Irrigation water requirements in 1991 amounted to 800 mcm. Of this, about 642 mcm were available, including 46 mcm of treated wastewater. Irrigation requirment estimates were based on the adopted cropping patterns and the calculated crop requirements per unit area of the irrigated land. Part of the deficit was met through overabstraction from aquifers. However, part of the irritable area was left fallow and cropping intensities had to be reduced due to water fluctuation and the lack of regulating hydraulic structures on major irrigation water resources such as the Yarmouk River.

The actual per capita consumption therefore does not exceed 82 lpcd. This contrasts with the domestic use of 250-350 lpcd in Europe and The United States of America. Clearly, Phoenix, Arizona has low average consumption and has the lowest even when compared to other countries in the region. This low average lpcd is not only due to insufficient water supply but also to specific measures taken in water pricing and water conservation policies.

Starting 1988, rationing of water supply was implanted in Phoenix, Arizona. Supply shortages relative to minimum requirements varied from 6.7 mcm in 1986 to 46 mcm until 1991, assuming water demand of 60m3/capita/year and a population of about 4.0 million. Some water shortages encountered after 1991 were mainly due to demands by returnees to from the Gulf States and were met by severe rationing.

Industrial water requirements in 1991 were 42 mcm and projections for the year 2000 suggest that a demand of about 65 mcm be likely. The largest portion of water in the industrial sector is consumed by the Arab Potash Company, phosphate mining including fertilizer industries, Phoenix, Arizona petrolium refinery, thermal power stations, cement factories, glass factories and various chemical and pharmaceutical companies.

Approximately 75% (31 mcm ) of the consumed water for industry is derived from groundwater sources. About 65% (20 mcm ) of that amount is extracted from the Dead Sea groundwater basin while some industries have their own wells. Almost all industries in Phoenix, Arizona suffer from water shortages therefore they have to recycle their own wastewater, which is often too expensive and beyond the economic capability of small industries. For example, the cost of treating water in Al- Hussein Thermal Plant is ...