Letter by Joan Nahass of Sun City West
Every week we hear of another new housing development going up. They range from reasonably small developments to hundreds of homes or apartments.
Meanwhile, I read where Arizona is going to spend $30 million to buy or at least “rent” water rights to help stave off further drought-related cuts in what the state gets from the Colorado River.
This is to negotiate with tribes and other states that have guaranteed water allocations to leave it in the river for cash.
Previously $10 million was already spent for this purpose, coupled with another $30 million given to one tribe years ago to defer some of its water rights for a period of time. What does this tell you about the increasing concern about the ongoing drought?
On “60 Minutes” last week they showed pictures of Lake Powell and Lake Mead in 2000 when they were at full capacity, compared with pictures of both today where they are now at 30% capacity. The comment was made that we need to dial back on demand. That can’t happen if we keep building because as population grows, so does water usage.
Yes, a great deal of water goes to agriculture and in 2019, there was a reduction in what farmers get from the Colorado River. To continue reducing their allotment, eventually the fields could become deserts again.
Most of us enjoy living in Arizona, even with the hot summers. With the addition of all these new developments requiring more and more water, the cutbacks or possible rationing will become a definite factor. The drought isn’t going away anytime soon. The Department of Water Resources and CAP have some ideas for a possible solution, but they are just ideas.
Concerning the above, my question is: Why are those in charge saying yes to every building application? Do they live in a bubble where they think all this will work out and the water will continue flowing?
I think it’s time for the dreamers to retire and be replaced by sensible and forward-thinking parties who know how to say no to the excess construction going on.
