Water Supply

Water purification plant in El Paso, Texas on riverfront.

El Paso Wastewater Purification Facility Breaks Ground

As water supplies become strained and technology advances, cities look to wastewater as a viable source of drinking water.

March 6, 2025 - Governing

Google office building in Virginia.

Virginia Data Centers Draining State’s Water Supply

Being the world’s largest data center hub is having a severe impact on local water resources.

May 9, 2024 - Grist

Aerial view of blue Canyon Lake reservoir beach in Texas on sunny day.

Texas Reservoirs Reach Dangerous Lows

In some parts of the state, water officials have cut off releases that maintain estuaries and other key coastal habitats.

February 5, 2024 - Wired

Wastewater treatment ponds.

California Approves Wastewater Recycling Rules

The complex set of regulations will ensure recycled water makes it to taps safely.

December 20, 2023 - CALmatters

View of Tucson, Arizona at sunset with two saguaro cacti in foreground.

Zoning Driving Housing Costs, Water Consumption in Arizona

Regulations that prohibit multifamily housing and smaller lot sizes contribute to a growing gulf between housing supply and demand.

December 12, 2023 - Pew

Close-up of exposed pipe in trench with blurred utility workers and yellow truck in background.

EPA Calls for Eliminating Lead Water Pipes in 10 Years

The mandate doesn’t include additional funding, prompting backlash from utility companies.

December 5, 2023 - Route Fifty

Entrance sign for Big Bend National Park, West Texas.

West Texas Growth Prompts Water Supply Concerns

Small desert communities are looking for ways to conserve water as their tourist and resident populations grow.

November 28, 2023 - The Daily Yonder

Aerial view of Buckeye, Arizona with sunset sky.

Arizona Town Looks for New Water Sources, Insists Development ‘Full Steam Ahead’

While many Southwest cities are looking for ways to conserve water and limit growth as water supplies become strained, one town is pressing ahead with rapid development.

October 29, 2023 - The Guardian

People lounging on grass in Alamo Square park in San Francisco overlooking painted ladies Victorian houses and city skyline

Drinking Water More Precious Than Grass in California

Ornamental grass—the kinds of grass that line medians and roadsides but never serves for recreation—is a vanishing amenity in a drought-stricken West.

September 14, 2023 - Los Angele Times

Aerial view of Glen Canyon Dam on Colorado River among red rocks

Calls Grow for ‘One-Dam Solution’ on Colorado River

California growers and others in the river’s Lower Basin want the federal government to consider draining Lake Powell to conserve more water downstream.

September 13, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of Tempe, Arizona with mountains in background

‘Tempe Tomorrow’ Plans for Expected Population Growth

Tempe planners are preparing a General Plan update scheduled for voter approval in March 2024.

August 24, 2023 - Daily Independent

Aerial view of green colf course next to rocky desert cliffs in Moab, Utah

A Reckoning for Southwestern Golf Courses

Amid a growing water crisis, more cities are cracking down on ornamental uses of grass and golf course greens.

August 3, 2023 - High Country News

View of Colorado River winding through canyon in red rock cliffs against lightly cloudy blue sky

Lower Basin States Closer to Agreement on Colorado River

After a year of contentious negotiations, Western states dependent on the river’s water supply are nearing a deal that would reduce water use significantly over the next three years.

May 22, 2023 - The Washington Post

Aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa with development on coast and mountains in background

Study: Inequity Surfaces During Water Crises

As the world’s water supply becomes more threatened, the wealthiest people are exacerbating the crisis through non-essential uses while the poor are the first to lose access to water.

April 12, 2023 - The Guardian

Town of St. George, Utah with small white church and red rock cliffs in background

Can Southwest Utah’s Water Supply Handle its Explosive Growth?

A remote corner of the state is the nation’s fastest-growing metro area, but concerns about water supplies across the Southwest signal an uncertain future.

March 5, 2023 - CNN

Aerial view of irrigation canal winding through Scottsdale, Arizona suburb with mountains in background

The Water Crisis Comes Home to Roost in Arizona

Due in part to the state’s history of ‘wildcat’ real estate developments, some communities are losing access to water sources as cities and water agencies look for ways to conserve shrinking water supplies.

February 6, 2023 - High Country News

Golf course with palm trees and mountains in background in Palm Springs, California

Despite Water Crisis, Desert Golf Courses Thrive

Officials in the Coachella Valley seem reluctant to restrict water supplies to the many golf courses and ornamental lakes that dot the region, opting instead to cut water deliveries to a groundwater recharge facility.

January 30, 2023 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of Central Arizona Project water canal through desert landscape

Arizona Governor Takes Steps to Modernize Water Policy

A newly released report warns of rapidly dwindling groundwater resources as developers plan to build hundreds of thousands of new homes.

January 26, 2023 - Inside Climate News

View of Los Angeles River at Glendale Narrows segment with tree and overpass

Downpours Yield 33 Billion Gallons of Captured Stormwater in L.A. County

County officials hope reclamation efforts will help the region reduce its dependence on imported water supplies.

January 19, 2023 - ABC7

Sunset view over canal and downtown Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale Cuts Water Supply to Nearby Suburb

The city claims it has no responsibility to provide water to the unincorporated Maricopa County community.

January 18, 2023 - The Washington Post

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