Report on Upcoming ADEQ Briefing on Water Quality and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction and Alignment with Global Goals

A public briefing will be conducted by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to address critical water quality issues and their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event, hosted by the Citizens Water Advocacy Group (CWAG), underscores a commitment to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration between a state agency and a citizen-led organization. The primary focus of the presentation is the protection of water resources, directly supporting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Key Agenda Items and SDG Linkages

The presentation will cover several key areas, each contributing to specific SDG targets:

• Implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act: This directly addresses SDG 6.1, which aims to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
• Management of Emerging Contaminants: A significant focus will be placed on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). This initiative supports SDG 3.9 (substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution) and SDG 12.4 (achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes).
• Status of Local Water Resources: Updates on local lakes, creeks, and municipal wells relate to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by monitoring and protecting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems dependent on these water sources.
• Domestic Well Testing: This component reinforces SDG 6.1 and SDG 3.9 by ensuring water safety at the individual household level, a critical aspect of public health.
• Underground Storage Tank Leaks: Addressing these leaks is crucial for preventing groundwater contamination, contributing to SDG 6.3 (improve water quality by reducing pollution) and SDG 11.6 (reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities).

Stakeholder and Organizational Profiles

Citizens Water Advocacy Group (CWAG)

Founded in 2002, CWAG’s mission is to protect the upper Verde River and ensure a long-term water supply for the Quad Cities region. This work is fundamental to achieving local and regional targets for SDG 6 and SDG 11, focusing on water resource protection and community resilience.

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Speakers

The briefing will be led by two Deputy Directors from the ADEQ Water Quality Division, whose expertise is central to the state’s capacity to meet its environmental and public health objectives.

1. Randy Matas: Oversees the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Aquifer Protection Program, directly contributing to the state’s progress on SDG 6.
2. Josephine Maressa: Manages the agency’s Clean Water Act programs, which are essential for protecting surface water quality in line with SDG 6.3 and SDG 14.

Event Logistics and Public Participation

The event is structured as a hybrid meeting to maximize public access and engagement, a key principle of inclusive governance under SDG 16.

• Date: Friday, September 13
• Time: 10:00 a.m. (Informal networking at 9:45 a.m.)
• In-Person Location: Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 882 Sunset Ave, Prescott, AZ
• Virtual Attendance: Registration for Zoom access is available via the “Next Event” link at www.cwagaz.org.

A question and answer session will follow the presentation, providing a platform for public dialogue and accountability.

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

   • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

     The article is fundamentally about water quality and safety. It directly addresses issues like the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act, testing of wells, the status of local water bodies (lakes, creeks), and the protection of water supplies, all of which are central to SDG 6.

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     The focus on “emerging contaminants” and “PFAS, the ‘forever chemicals'” in drinking water connects directly to human health. Ensuring water is free from such hazardous substances is crucial for preventing water-borne diseases and illnesses, a key aspect of SDG 3.

   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

     The article mentions protecting the “long-term water supply for the Quad Cities region,” testing “municipal wells,” and addressing “underground storage tank leaks.” These topics relate to managing essential services and environmental challenges within communities, which is a core component of SDG 11.

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

   • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

     • Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. The discussion on implementing the “Safe Drinking Water Act” and the “testing of domestic family wells” and “municipal wells” directly relates to this target.
     • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. The focus on addressing contaminants like PFAS and providing updates on “underground storage tank leaks” aligns with this target of reducing water pollution.
     • Target 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management. The article announces a public, hybrid meeting with a Q&A session, and highlights the role of the Citizens Water Advocacy Group (CWAG), demonstrating community education and participation in water management.

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. The specific mention of addressing “PFAS, the ‘forever chemicals'” is a direct effort to mitigate health risks from hazardous chemicals in the water supply.

   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

     • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. Addressing “underground storage tank leaks” within a community is a direct action to reduce the adverse environmental impact of urban infrastructure.

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

   • For Target 6.1 (Safe Drinking Water)

     The article implies the use of indicators through the “testing of domestic family wells and… municipal wells.” The presence or absence of contaminants like PFAS would be a key metric. This relates to Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services, where “safely managed” includes being free from chemical contamination.

   • For Target 6.3 (Water Quality)

     The mention of providing “status updates on our local lakes, creeks” implies ongoing monitoring of water quality. This directly relates to Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality. The monitoring of “underground storage tank leaks” also serves as an indicator of pollution events that affect water quality.

   • For Target 3.9 (Health and Pollution)

     The article’s focus on identifying and addressing “emerging contaminants” and “PFAS” implies a preventative approach to health. Progress can be measured by tracking the levels of these hazardous chemicals in the water supply, which is a proxy for reducing exposure and potential illness, relating to Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation and lack of hygiene.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation	Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.	Implied Indicator: Results from the “testing of domestic family wells” and “municipal wells” for contaminants like PFAS. (Relates to official Indicator 6.1.1)
   SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation	Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals.	Implied Indicator: “Status updates on our local lakes, creeks” and monitoring of “underground storage tank leaks.” (Relates to official Indicator 6.3.2)
   SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation	Target 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.	Implied Indicator: The holding of a public meeting with a Q&A session and the active role of a citizens’ advocacy group (CWAG).
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and water pollution.	Implied Indicator: Efforts to identify and address “emerging contaminants with a particular focus on PFAS” in the water supply. (Relates to official Indicator 3.9.2)
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.	Implied Indicator: Monitoring and addressing pollution sources such as “underground storage tank leaks” within the community.

Source: sedona.biz