MINUTES
Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council
March 27, 2009
USGS Building #3
2255 N Gemini Drive,
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
Water Advisory Council Members Present
Sue Pratt, Coconino County for Liz Archuleta, WAC Chairman
Mandy Metzger, Coconino County
John Kocjan, City of Page
Anita McFarlane, City of Sedona
John Fortune, Arizona Department of Water Resources
Ron Sieg, Arizona Game and Fish Department
Rory Steinke, Coconino National Forest
Bob Hart, U.S. Geological Survey
Bob Michaels, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
Brenda Smith, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Paul Whitefield, National Park Service
Brenda Burman, The Nature Conservancy
Barry Baker, Tusayan-Valle
1. Welcome and Introductions
Sue Pratt opened the meeting, announcing that Liz Archuleta and Joelynn Roberson, the WAC Chair and Vice Chair, were both unable to attend today’s meeting and that Liz had asked Sue to run the meeting on her behalf. Sue then asked for introductions by those in attendance.
2. Approval of Minutes from February 27, 2009 WAC meeting
Sue suggested tabling this item until next month
(Due to technical difficulties-the presentation of the next agenda item was delayed and TAC report was moved up on the agenda)
3. Leslie Meyers, TAC Chair, stated that the three WAC subcommittees, Technical Advisory, Public Outreach, and Government Affairs, held a joint meeting yesterday to discuss some strategic plan elements that had overlapping responsibilities. She noted some items that the TAC had been working on and asked Leslie Graser, TAC member, to present the information she has been developing related to the strategic plan goal for identifying a “sustainable water budget.” Leslie gave background on how the TAC got to the point where they are now and what resources they were using for developing a definition for “sustainable water budget.” There was discussion on this matter. Mandy Metzger suggested it address enhancement of water resources, not just protection. In response to a question from Mike Macauley, Leslie Graser confirmed that it includes all water resources including ground, surface, and effluent. Cynthia White expressed appreciation for the WAC in addressing this concept.
Leslie Meyers then introduced the work that John Fortune has put together on behalf of the TAC in response to a strategic planning policy which asked for existing infrastructure for reclaimed water. John distributed copies of an effluent table that described what systems there are in the region that include effluent reuse. John said that this information came from the “Clean Watershed Needs Survey” conducted by ADWR. Barry Baker noted that some of the information from Tusayan needed to be updated and he agreed to provide that information to John, and suggested that others review for their communities and provide any changes. John said that it will be placed on the web site along with Best Management Practices for this area and from AMA’s. John clarified that this table addresses effluent and not potable water systems.
Sue will send out to the WAC for their review and comments.
4. Presentation and Discussion “American Southwest: Are We Running Dry” James Thebaut
The next item was a presentation by James Thebaut of his documentary “American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?” Mr. Thebaut gave some background on himself and the Chronicles Group. He said that he believes public information and education on water is critical. He is a proponent of a National Water Policy.
Following the showing of the film Mr. Thebaut noted that he has decided to open a satellite office in Flagstaff, and wants to support organizations in educating on this issue. He said that there will be a showing of the feature length version at the Orpheum Theatre in Flagstaff on April 26, which will include a panel discussion following the movie. He noted that he thinks of this area as “ground zero” for water issues. Anita McFarlane noted that the Governor has designated April as Water Month and there are a lot of water-related and educational activities occurring in Sedona.
Jean Calhoun from The Nature Conservancy asked what Mr. Thebaut considers main components for a national water policy. He responded that he believes everybody should be at the table to discuss nationally, but views it as a watershed-based regional program.
Lena Fowler said that the film is creating awareness and starting national conversation. She noted that CPWAC is already working on many of these regional issues.
Stacey Hamburg from the Sierra Club asked about alternatives to a pipeline from the Colorado River for providing water to Hopi and Navajo. Lena referred to the Omnibus Bill recently passed by Congress related to the San Juan settlement, noting that the water rights the Navajo Nation has are already within the allocations, that others are already taking more than their share.
James Thebaut mentioned that there will be a screening of the film to the Congressional Water Caucus on April 29. He will be launching the opening of his office after the April 26 screening in Flagstaff. Leslie Graser offered to help organize screening in Yavapai County.
Sue thanked James for his presentation and noted that the WAC may have future opportunities for partnering related to education through the Public Outreach Committee.
5. Committee Reports
Leslie Meyers continued with the TAC report. She said that the three subcommittees discussed the Water Conservation Awards at the joint meeting yesterday, reviewing priorities, categories, eligibility, etc. She said the committees will continue to work on this with more to report at a later date. The WAC discussed the frequency of the awards, suggestion of tying it in to Water Awareness Month, criteria to include water savings, leverage-transferability, and outreach.
There was no additional report from the Government Affairs Committee.
Patricia Cox, Public Outreach Committee Chair, mentioned that the At-Risk Water Resources Research Final Report has been put on the WAC web site.
6. Report on SWAG and other State Water Issues
Sue noted that the SWAG has not met, but has a meeting scheduled for April 17. There was no further report.
7. Wrap-up and set agenda for next meeting
Friday, April 24, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sue announced that the next meeting will include presentations from the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County on SB1575-Water Adequacy.