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Drought Planning is important because… |
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Drought is a recurring natural hazard, and Arizona is especially vulnerable.
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All areas of the world experience natural cycles of drought. However, Arizona is especially sensitive to drought impacts. Because Arizona is an arid state, water is scarce here even during years of above-average precipitation, and population growth continues to increase our demand for water. The future of the state will depend on the wise water management choices we make today.
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Drought impacts can be reduced if we manage water wisely… |
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We cannot control the climate; we can control our own behavior. The impacts of drought are the result of not only weather patterns, but the interaction between the climate and the demand we place on our water supply. We can worsen the effects of drought by managing water resources inefficiently; however, proper planning and preparedness, during wet years as well as dry years, can serve as a drought “buffer,” reducing the severity of impacts. |
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Drought planning is a lot less costly and more effective than emergency response… |
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Drought planning is a relatively new framework for dealing with drought. In the past, throughout the country, the emphasis has been on emergency drought relief. after the drought and associated damage had already occurred. Now, Arizona and other states are moving toward preparing for and mitigating the effects of drought, with the goal of preventing a drought emergency situation. Practicing a low water use lifestyle now can help to avoid more drastic and uncomfortable reductions in the future. Click here to learn what you can do to conserve water.
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How is Arizona planning for future droughts and addressing the current drought? |
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Governor Napolitano established the Governor's Drought Task Force to address drought issues facing Arizonans. In October 2004, the Task Force finalized the Arizona Drought Preparedness Plan. The goals of the Plan were to identify the impacts of drought to the various sectors of water users, define sources of drought vulnerability, outline monitoring programs, and prepare response options and mitigation strategies to reduce drought impacts. ADWR's Statewide Drought Program and Statewide Conservation Office are tasked with coordinating implementation of the Plan.
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ADWR’s Statewide Drought Program coordinates three groups to implement drought planning and mitigation around the state: |
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Local Area Impact Assessment Groups
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Local Area Impact Assessment Groups will coordinate drought public awareness, provide impact assessment information to local and state leaders, and implement and initiate local mitigation or response options.
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Monitoring Technical Committee
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The Monitoring Technical Committee (MTC), created by the Governor's Drought Task Force, is responsible for gathering drought, climate, and weather data and disseminating that information to land managers, policy-makers, and the public. The MTC is crucial in providing early warning of changes in drought severity.
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Interagency Coordinating Group
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Comprised of state, federal, tribal and non-governmental organizations, this group provides an integral mechanism to coordinate drought planning and management on lands within Arizona.
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The Statewide Drought Program is also implementing new drought planning requirements for water providers: |
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Community Water Systems Information
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Community water systems are now required to complete Annual Water Use Reports and System Water Plans. The reports and plans are intended to reduce community water systems' vulnerability to drought and ensure that water providers are prepared to respond to drought or water shortage conditions
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