Cochise County’s only source aquifer keeps three communities flowing with water
Cochise County's only source aquifer keeps three communities flowing with water KGUN 9 Tucson News
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Water Conservation Efforts in Cochise County
Introduction
Water conservation efforts in Cochise County tend to focus on the San Pedro River and recharging the river. However, in Naco, the Naco Sanitary District board members have concerns about saving the sole source aquifer.
The Naco-Bisbee Aquifer
The Naco-Bisbee aquifer provides water for Naco, Arizona; Naco, Sonora, Mexico; and Bisbee. The Naco Sanitary District board chair, Stephen Dey, expressed his concern about the neglect of this aquifer. He mentioned that their four wastewater lagoons hold 86,000 gallons of effluent water. With proper development and monitoring, Dey believes they can maintain control of the aquifer stability indefinitely.
Threat to the Groundwater
While there is sufficient water for human consumption, there is still concern for the water supply. The groundwater is under threat from a sulfate plume that is moving towards the well used by the City of Bisbee. This sulfate contamination is a result of past mining activities in Bisbee. Dey highlighted that 50% of the wells in this aquifer are contaminated and cannot be used due to the sulfate.
Solutions to the Problem
Charles Behney, vice chair of the Naco Sanitary District, believes that this problem can be solved by either stopping the pumping of water or by back pumping the contaminated water and treating it before putting it in a treatment pond. The goal is to clean the sulfate plume and ensure water adequacy for the next 100 years.
Effluent Treatment and Recharge
The City of Bisbee currently releases some of its treated effluent on The Naco Sanitary District’s property. Dey suggests that if the water was treated more thoroughly, it could recharge the aquifer with fewer pollutants. Additionally, the Bisbee Effluent project aims to move some of the effluent to recharge the San Pedro River. The project involves running a pipeline through the community of Naco to release treated effluent close to the river, speeding up the natural process.
Partnership for River Conservation
Bisbee mayor Ken Budge, who is also the chairman of the Upper San Pedro Partnership, emphasizes the importance of studying and conserving the San Pedro River. The partnership between the City of Bisbee and the county aims to make the river more viable and sustainable through collaborative efforts.
Concerns about the Aquifer
Dey and Behney express concerns that the effluent treatment and recharge project may pose a threat to the sole source aquifer. They do not want their aquifer’s water to be used in other locations unless responsible use is demonstrated.
About the Author
- Alexis Ramanjulu is a reporter in Cochise County for KGUN 9. She began her journalism career reporting for the Herald/Review in Sierra Vista, which she also calls home. Share your story ideas with Alexis by emailing alexis.ramanjulu@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 6.3: Presence of sulfate contamination in the aquifer and the percentage of wells contaminated.
- Indicator for SDG 11.1: Availability of safe and affordable water supply for Naco, Arizona; Naco, Sonora, Mexico; and Bisbee.
- Indicator for SDG 15.1: Progress in cleaning the sulfate plume and ensuring water adequacy for the next 100 years.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. | Presence of sulfate contamination in the aquifer and the percentage of wells contaminated. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Availability of safe and affordable water supply for Naco, Arizona; Naco, Sonora, Mexico; and Bisbee. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Progress in cleaning the sulfate plume and ensuring water adequacy for the next 100 years. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: kgun9.com
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