Water Resources

Climate change, rising populations, evolving social values, urbanization and changing consumption patterns for water present unprecedented challenges as well as opportunities. UArizona is known as “Number 1” in water resources science and policy across the globe.

Our research

State Awards $500K for Yuma Wastewater Testing

In an announcement made by AZ Governor Ducey’s office on January 6, 2021, an innovative partnership will receive $500K to provide early detection of COVID-19 through wastewater testing in Yuma County.

In a last-minute rule change, the Trump admin rolls back water-saving standards for showerheads

The Trump administration is rolling back a regulation that requires showerheads to conserve water
 

Yuma County To Launch COVID-19 Wastewater Monitoring Project

Yuma County will begin testing wastewater as part of an early COVID-19 detection program, the first countywide wastewater detection project in Arizona.

Global Heating Will Make Colorado River Basin Drought More Severe

A person can survive 30 days (or more) without food, 3 days without water, and 3 minutes without air. The latest climate research indicates all three will be in short supply as average temperatures on Earth increase.

If ancient drought choked the Southwest for centuries, what does the future hold?

The ancient people of western Utah’s Danger Cave lived well. They ate freshwater fish, ducks and other small game, according to detritus they left behind. They had a lush lakeside view with cattails, bulrushes and water-loving willows adorning the marshlands.

In Memoriam: Jim Shuttleworth

It is with great sadness that we report the passing away of William James Shuttleworth, Emeritus Regents Professor of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Arizona, who was affectionately called “Jim” by all those who knew him. Jim passed away on December 20, 2020, at the age of 75.

Ancient Puebloans used ice caves to survive droughts

Carbon dating allows us to know exactly when ice was melted for drinking water in pre-Columbian America.

Pioneering Navajo Hydrologist Karletta Chief Honored by American Geophysical Union

For her pioneering engagement and partnership with Indigenous communities leading to transformative outcomes, hydrologist Karletta Chief (Diné) will be one of 36 American Geophysical Union honorees this year, receiving the AGU Ambassador Award and a conferred fellowship.

When in Drought, Ancestral Puebloans Turned to Ice Blocks in Lava Tubes

Thirsty people once visited these ancient volcanic corridors.