Arizona Water Shortage Arizona's Water Research Proposal

25). Programs are also underway to increase riparian habitat and the perennial flow of water into the system (ADWR, p. 26). These measures will help to reduce the impact of the water shortage, but they will not be enough without the efforts of the citizens and daily conservation efforts. Arizona citizens must realize the seriousness of the water situation and must be willing to make lifestyle changes in order to assure their water supply for the future.

In 2008, runoff into the Colorado River improved, so that additional water releases from Lake Powell and Lake Meade could be provided (ADWR, p. 22). However, this does not mean the crisis is over by any measure. This is only a small amount of relief, but Arizona continues to face a severe water shortage in the near future. The underlying causes of the water shortage are partially a result of nature and changes in the amount of runoff into the Colorado River. However, the blame cannot be placed solely on nature. Humankind in the desert states has contributed to the problem by taking precious water supplies for granted.

This study concludes that cultural issues are not at the heart of the problem and that Arizona citizens are aware of their part and that they are willing to do their part to curtail the future water shortage.The Arizona Daily Star survey indicated that Arizona citizens are willing to make personal sacrifices to protect water resources (Davis).

Works Cited

Anderson, B. (2007). Water Shortage Could Transform Markets. November 6, 2007. NuWire Investor. http://www.nuwireinvestor.com/articles/water-shortage-could-transform-markets-51332.aspx (Accessed November 1, 2008).

Arizona Department of Water Resources. (ADWR) Securing Arizona's Water Future. Annual Report. State of Arizona. FY 2007-2008. http://www.azwater.gov/dwr/Content/Find_by_Category/About_ADWR/ADWR_AnnualReport_2008.pdf (Accessed November 1, 2008).

Blake, C. (2007). Arizona faces potential water supply shortage from Colorado River by 2011. December 6, 2007. Western Farm Press. http://westernfarmpress.com/environment/120607-supply-shortage (Accessed November 1, 2008).

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Services. (CSREES).(2005). Water Issues are a High Priority. Regional Water Quality Program. Spring 2005. REQ001. http://ag.arizona.edu/region9wq/pdf/factsheet_RWQ001.pdf (Accessed October 31, 2008).

Davis, T. (2008). Readers love our region, but growth is still a concern. March 9, 1008. Arizona Daily Star. http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/228829 (Accessed October 31, 2008).

Gelt, J. (2008). Arid Arizona Not Lacking in Water Education Programs. Water Resources Research Center. http://cals.arizona.edu/AZWATER/arroyo/082arid.html (Accessed November 1, 2008)......