NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2006
Contact: Diane Brossart
Valley Forward Association
(602) 240-2408

VALLEY RESIDENTS BELIEVE THERE IS A WATER CRISIS IN ARIZONA
- Valley Forward Says State's Water Supply is Best Managed in Southwest -

PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 16, 2006) – The majority of Valley residents believe there is a water crisis in Arizona and also feel that state and local governments are not doing enough to address water conservation, according to a recent Valley Forward telephone survey of over 400 residents conducted by WestGroup Research.

Despite perceptions of Valley residents, the 37-year-old business-based environmental public interest organization unveiled its "Top 10 Reasons Valley Forward Believes the Valley Has the Best Managed Water Supply in the Southwest."

According to the survey, 63 percent of Valley residents say there is a water crisis in the state and 58 percent contend state and local governments are not doing enough to address water conservation. In addition, 60 percent of those surveyed indicated there is not enough water to sustain current growth and development in Maricopa County and 49 percent believe there is not enough to sustain growth statewide.

Valley Forward released the findings today at its Board of Directors/General Membership Luncheon attended by more than 100 business and civic leaders. The organization, which has historically advocated a balance between economic growth and environmental quality, also released a statement contending Arizona leads the Southwest in managing its water supply.

"The Valley's secure water future is the result of over 100 years of visionary planning," said Diane Brossart, president of Valley Forward. "We have been actively managing our groundwater for over 25 years while other states are just beginning, and Arizona is a pioneer in the use of reclaimed water. It's clear, however, that while we lead the Southwest in managing water supplies, we have not done a good job of communicating our efforts, as the general public is not confident in how our state and local governments are managing water resources."

Survey results confirm that Valley residents may not be as informed as they could be about water supply issues in the state, with over half, 54 percent, indicating that they are "not very" or "not at all" familiar with Colorado River water rights issue and the impact they have on Arizona.

Crisis or not, the vast majority of Valley residents - 89 percent - have indicated they would be willing to begin following mandated water conservation procedures if the drought in Arizona continues.

For nearly four decades, Valley Forward has brought business and civic leaders together to convene thoughtful public dialogue on regional issues and promote cooperative efforts to improve the sustainability and livability of Valley communities.

"Valley Forward's Top 10 Reasons Why the Valley Has the Best Managed Water Supply in the Southwest" follows:

1. The Valley's secure water future is the result of over 100 years of visionary planning.

2. The Valley has a diverse and balanced water supply portfolio including four different water sources: surface water, Colorado River water, groundwater and reclaimed water.

3. The Valley has been actively managing our groundwater for over 25 years, while other states are just beginning.

4. No development can take place in the Valley without a guarantee that residents will have a 100- year supply of water.

5. In order to meet future needs, the Valley and State have adaptable water policies that enable supplies to shift between agricultural and municipal uses.

6. There is never enough water to waste so cities and water providers have developed water conservation programs and drought plans.

7. The Valley pioneered the use of reclaimed water, and now reuses more than 75 percent of it reclaimed water supply.

8. The Valley is prepared for drought because we "save water for a dry day" in surface reservoirs and underground water banks.

9. The Valley's water supply is dynamic and constantly changing, so we must continue to stay informed and take action whenever necessary, to ensure the sustainability of this finite resource.

10. Because we understand that water is our most precious resource, we will always work diligently to maintain our "fair share."

For more information about Valley Forward, its survey or top 10 reasons list, call (602) 240-2408 or visit www.valleyforward.org.