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Council Member Janik writes, generally, a good explanation of water supply issues in Arizona. She overlooks, however, the dramatic positive effects of the 1980 Groundwater Management Act on water supply in Arizona. Scottsdale receives surface water from both the Colorado River and the Verde/Salt river system to supplement (and reduce, to the minimum) groundwater pumping. The same rules apply to the entire “Active Management Area” within which Scottsdale is located. Among other requirements that must be met is the existence of a 100 year “assured water supply” for all projected uses. Because fully 25% of Scottsdale’s area is committed to the Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale’s water supply is even in a better position.

Arizona’s GMA is an example of sound water policy that other states have not followed—to their detriment. Scottsdales own water conservation practices of using recycled water for golf courses in north Scottsdale are exemplary. Council Member Janik makes some good suggestions to further conserve Scottsdale’s water resources, but suggesting a moratorium is alarmist and demonstrates a lack of understanding of current law, current water practices and the current multiple water supplies to which Scottsdale has access.

Arizona, in general, and Scottsdale in particular, are in excellent shape. Yes, the Great Salt Lake in Utah is drying up and is projected to run dry by 2040–and yet Utah still allows residents to plant and water turf. Fortunately Arizona and Scottsdale are acting more wisely and responsibly-and residents should know that. The concept of “water farms” was killed in 1986, the same year that a groundwater quality protection law was passed—one of only two in the nation. Arizona and all Valley cities, including Scottsdale, have been working on this issue for 40 years. Let’s promote wise water use, but not fear.