Understanding the Central Arizona Water Conservation District and Its Importance
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Published
10/8/2024
The Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) plays a vital role in managing water resources in Arizona, and its elections often fly under the radar, despite their massive impact on the future of water distribution and policy in the state. With the 2024 election barely a month away, it's crucial to understand the district’s significance, the challenges ahead, and why voters should not overlook this crucial down-ballot race.
What Is the CAWCD?
The Central Arizona Water Conservation District is a multi-county conservation district, encompassing Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties. It oversees the operation of the Central Arizona Project (CAP), a 336-mile-long canal that transports water from the Colorado River to central and southern Arizona. CAP delivers water to residents, businesses, farmers, and tribes, making it one of the most critical infrastructure elements in Arizona's water management system.
The CAWCD board is comprised of 15 members who serve six-year, unpaid terms. The board members are elected from the three counties in the service area: 10 from Maricopa County, four from Pima County, and one from Pinal County. The board is responsible for setting water rates, establishing policies, and managing taxes related to CAP water delivery and the repayment of CAP construction costs.
Why This Election Matters
Five of the ten Maricopa County seats on the CAWCD board are up for election this year, and while only six candidates are running for these five positions, the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for water policy in the state. Water is an essential resource, and the decisions made by CAWCD board members will shape Arizona’s water future at a time when uncertainty about the state's water supply is growing.
One of the most pressing concerns is the impending expiration of the current rules governing the operations of Lake Mead and Lake Powell in 2026. These reservoirs are vital sources of water for Arizona, and ongoing negotiations will determine how much water each state will receive after the existing rules expire. Arizona’s water supply, already strained, could see even more drastic reductions, especially since CAP holds junior water rights on the Colorado River, meaning it could face deeper cuts.
With 36% of Arizona’s total water supply coming from the Colorado River, the CAWCD board will be instrumental in determining how to manage these reductions. This will include addressing the impact of less water on cities, agricultural interests, and tribal allocations, as well as how the district will continue to finance critical projects like canal repairs and groundwater replenishment.
The Candidates and Their Impact
This year’s candidates include four incumbents and two newcomers, all with different backgrounds in water management and public service:
- Lisa Atkins: A longtime board member with three previous terms and a history as board president.
- Brian Biesemeyer: Recently retired as Scottsdale’s Water Department director, with significant experience managing water and wastewater services.
- Rudy Fischer: A retired business executive with prior experience on a California city council and water board.
- Terry Goddard: Current CAWCD board president and former Arizona attorney general and Phoenix mayor.
- Heather Macre: A commercial litigation and healthcare law expert who has served two terms on the board.
- April Pinger-Tornquist: A research and development engineer who has served since 2018.
These candidates are vying to help guide Arizona through some of the toughest water challenges the state has ever faced, including the potential for long-term water cuts from the Colorado River and the balancing of interests between urban development, agriculture, and tribal water rights.
The Bigger Picture: Groundwater and Development
In addition to managing Colorado River water, CAWCD plays a role in replenishing groundwater, a crucial resource for housing development on the outskirts of Phoenix. As metro Phoenix continues to expand, the board’s decisions will influence whether there is enough water to support that growth while maintaining sustainable groundwater levels.
Engaging in the Election: Why Your Vote Matters
The decisions made by the CAWCD board will shape water policy for decades to come. This election is a unique opportunity for voters to have a say in how Arizona manages its water supply, particularly as the state grapples with increasing challenges related to drought, population growth, and climate change.
Although the race for CAWCD board may not grab headlines like other elections, the outcome is critical to the future of water in Arizona. Voters should take the time to learn about the candidates, their qualifications, and their positions on water management issues before casting their ballots.
Conclusion: Protecting Arizona’s Water Future
Water is the lifeblood of Arizona’s economy, agriculture, and communities. As the state faces increasing pressure on its water resources, the role of the CAWCD board is more important than ever. By voting in this election, Arizonans can help shape the future of water policy and ensure that their communities have access to the water they need to thrive.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue of Arizona Agriculture. For more information on this year's election visit our Election Resource page on azfb.org. As we collect candidate responses to our questionnaires, we will also update you here 2024 Election Resources (azfb.org)