Desalination in Mexico among new Arizona water proposals – ABC15 Arizona

Report on Arizona’s Water Security Initiatives and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Addressing Water Scarcity in Alignment with SDG 6

In response to diminishing water supplies from the Colorado River and stalled negotiations on resource allocation, the state of Arizona is proactively evaluating new water augmentation strategies. The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) has unveiled seven proposals aimed at ensuring long-term water security. These initiatives are critically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water for all. The current water crisis, exacerbated by climate change, also underscores the importance of SDG 13 (Climate Action) in developing resilient infrastructure.

Proposed Water Augmentation Projects and SDG Linkages

The seven proposals represent a multi-faceted approach to water resource management, incorporating technological innovation, cross-border cooperation, and water recycling. These strategies directly support several SDG targets.

1. Desalination Initiatives

   • Three proposals focus on desalination, a technological solution to create fresh water from saltwater.
   • To overcome geographical and cost challenges, the projects propose a water-exchange model with California or Mexico, rather than direct pipeline transport to Arizona.
   • This innovative approach supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by leveraging proven technology to solve a critical resource challenge and contributes to SDG 6.4 by increasing water availability.

2. Transboundary Water Conservation and Management

   • Several proposals involve partnerships with neighboring states and countries to enhance water conservation and management.
   • Examples include treating wastewater in other states or capturing water in the upper Sacramento area that would otherwise flow to the ocean, in exchange for a share of Colorado River water.
   • These efforts are a direct implementation of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 6.5, which call for transboundary cooperation in the management of shared water resources.

3. Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

   • Projects focused on upgrading wastewater treatment facilities align with the principles of a circular economy.
   • By treating and reusing wastewater, Arizona and its partners can reduce pressure on freshwater sources.
   • This directly addresses SDG 6.3, which aims to improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.

4. Groundwater Storage

   • The inclusion of new groundwater storage efforts is a key strategy for building resilience against future droughts.
   • Securing a stable, long-term water supply is fundamental to the sustainability of urban and rural communities, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Strategic Importance and Stakeholder Engagement

The proposals are considered critical as conservation measures alone are insufficient to offset potential cuts in Colorado River allocations. The success of these long-term projects depends on robust collaboration and inclusive decision-making.

• Policy and Negotiation: The initiatives are proceeding amid ongoing negotiations among the seven river states and the U.S. Department of the Interior to establish a new water-sharing framework. Arizona’s leadership is advocating for an equitable distribution of cuts.
• Public Participation: In line with the inclusive spirit of the SDGs, WIFA has established a public comment portal for residents to review the proposals and provide feedback, ensuring that stakeholder input informs the final project selection.
• Future Outlook: While implementation may take time, these proposals represent a foundational step toward creating a sustainable and secure water future for Arizona, demonstrating a commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Arizona’s water supply challenges and proposed solutions connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary focus is on water management, but it also encompasses infrastructure development, sustainable communities, and the partnerships required to achieve these goals.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: This is the most central SDG, as the entire article revolves around ensuring access to a stable and secure water supply for Arizona amidst the shrinking of the Colorado River. The discussion of desalination, wastewater treatment, and new water storage directly addresses the core principles of this goal.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The article details proposals for major new infrastructure projects, such as desalination plants and water retention systems. These projects represent significant investments in resilient infrastructure to support the state’s long-term water security and economic well-being.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The effort to secure new water sources is fundamentally about ensuring that Arizona’s communities remain viable and resilient in the face of climate change and water scarcity. A stable water supply is critical for the sustainability of cities and human settlements.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article repeatedly emphasizes the need for collaboration and negotiation. This includes partnerships between Arizona and other states (like California), cross-border partnerships with Mexico, negotiations involving the U.S. Department of the Interior, and public-private partnerships through the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) to develop new projects.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the specific solutions and challenges discussed, several SDG targets can be identified:

• Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by… substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. This is directly referenced in the proposals that include “upgrading wastewater treatment in other states” as a strategy to free up water for Arizona.
• Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity. The article’s core theme is addressing water scarcity caused by the “overstressed” and “shrinking Colorado River.” All seven proposals are aimed at ensuring a sustainable supply of freshwater.
• Target 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate. The article highlights the stalled “negotiations over future cuts” and the ongoing meetings between “Arizona and the six other river states” and Mexico to create a “river-sharing framework,” which is a clear example of transboundary water resources management.
• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being. The proposals for “desalination concepts,” “wastewater treatment projects, and new groundwater storage efforts” are all examples of developing new, resilient infrastructure to guarantee water security.
• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The article describes the role of WIFA, a state agency, in entering “negotiations to purchase the proprietary projects” from private companies. It also mentions that WIFA has “opened a public comment portal where residents can review each proposal and submit their feedback,” demonstrating a multi-stakeholder partnership approach.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article implies several indicators that could be used to measure progress, even if it does not state them in official SDG terminology:

• For Target 6.3: An indicator would be the number and capacity of new or upgraded wastewater treatment facilities developed through the proposed partnerships.
• For Target 6.4: Progress could be measured by the volume of new water secured for Arizona through the proposed projects (e.g., acre-feet per year from desalination or water swaps). Another key indicator is the reduction of water stress, specifically the state’s dependence on its shrinking Colorado River allocation.
• For Target 6.5: A direct indicator of progress is the successful establishment of a new, “enforceable” Colorado River sharing agreement among the seven basin states and Mexico.
• For Target 9.1: The number of proposed infrastructure projects (desalination plants, water retention systems) that are successfully negotiated, funded, and constructed would be a clear indicator of progress.
• For Target 17.17: The number of formal agreements signed between WIFA and private companies, as well as the successful negotiation of water-swap agreements with California or Mexico, would serve as indicators of effective partnerships.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: abc15.com