Flagstaff, Az., September 6, 2006 — In its continuing effort to ensure an adequate long-term supply of water to meet current and future needs in northern Arizona, the Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council is currently reviewing the draft North Central Arizona Water Supply Study developed by the Bureau of Reclamation.

Reclamation worked with the partnership’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG) in developing an appraisal study to determine future water demands and possible solutions to meet these demands.  The TAG includes representatives from the study area, Arizona Department of Water Resources, the Grand Canyon Trust, U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Arizona University, Coconino County, Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Havasupai Tribe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish, and interested local citizens.

At the Council’s July meeting, representatives from Reclamation reported on the draft appraisal study, which determined that current water supplies in the area will not meet projected demand to the year 2050.  Possible options for meeting the increased water demand were included in the study.  Any proposed actions the Council chooses to pursue would require further investigation and public input to determine if they are feasible—taking into consideration the social, legal, economic, and environmental impacts.

Currently, the study is being reviewed and final revisions are being incorporated.  The final version of the study is expected to be released by the end of September in hard copy, on DVD, and through posting on several government websites.  For more information, or to be put on a list to receive the final report, contact Patricia Cox of the Bureau of Reclamation via e-mail at Email or call 623-773-6214.

For more information on the Council, call Chair Liz Archuleta at (928) 779-6798; email Email; toll-free (800) 559-9289; or Public Outreach Chairman Deb Hill at (928) 779-6644; email Email