Phoenix City Council has approved a request for the City to enter into a Joint Funding Agreement (JFA) with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct a microgravity survey of groundwater in Phoenix's Northeast Aquifer. This agreement comes as the Water Services Department is preparing for shortages on the Colorado River.
“This investment will assist us in planning for the long-term sustainability of Phoenix and works in tandem with other sustainability measures that we are pursuing at the city," says Mayor Kate Gallego.
This particular aquifer was selected because Phoenix intends to recharge additional water in this area in preparation for shortages on the Colorado River. During times of shortage, the water would be pulled back out of wells.
Phoenix Water Services Director Kathryn Sorensen explains, “The findings of this survey could provide valuable information regarding aquifer changes over time that result from both pumping and recharge activities. This will allow us to make better decisions regarding the sustainable management of the aquifer in northern Phoenix over time."
Smart water planning is essential to the health and economic vitality of a desert city and the research acquired from this survey will provide a baseline of groundwater conditions in the area, allowing the utility to be prepared for any contingency in the future.
“The USGS is an expert in the scientific method used to monitor aquifer changes that could have an impact on our current and future water storage," said Councilwoman Thelda Williams, chair, Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee. “This partnership is an important investment that will provide necessary research and measurements to make informed water management decisions."
