Today’s Show:
Water is one of the most pressing issues in Arizona today!😰 Join us this week as we dive deep into the water💧issues Arizona is facing with two of the most knowledgeable experts in the field – Kathryn Sorensen and Gary Hix! We’ll be discussing the current water issues/shortages, dispelling any myths and misconceptions in the news, and uncovering some solutions the state is taking to ensure a sustainable water future.🙌 Get ready for an informative, thought-provoking, and stimulating conversation with two of the most knowledgeable experts on the subject.
Listen & Learn:
3:56 – Article on AZ groundwater all spoken for
6:16 – Hobbs calls for updates on the Arizona Groundwater Management Act
8:01 – How is the eastside in regards to water
10:00 – Rules for water use – Farmers vs. Builders
13:17 – Gary & Kathryn’s suggestions for change on the Act
15:43 – Are the headlines about the Colorado River true?
17:45 – Photos of the lift station on the Colorado River
19:00 – Addressing agriculture when it comes to solving Colorado River problems
21:01 – Advantages of being lowest in priority when it comes to Colorado River use
25:22 – What is happening in Kingman, AZ?
27:24 – What is fossil groundwater and the issue with depleting it
27:50 – What is an INA & Fishers?
29:50 – What is going on with Rio Verde?
32:51 – Gary’s senior thesis on water wells in Strawberry/Pine, AZ
34:40 – The water situation in Strawberry/Pine, AZ
37:20 – Rebecca’s water district meeting video
41:52 – Gary’s solutions for Strawberry/Pine
43:20 – Kathryn’s solutions for water shortages
46:03 – Gary’s final thoughts
49:03 – Rebecca’s final thoughts
Special Guests:
Kathryn Sorensen – Director of Research at Kyl Center for Water Policy at Morrison Institute:
Kathryn served for many years as Director of Phoenix Water Services as well as Director of the City of Mesa Water Resources Department. In these roles, she was responsible for the delivery of safe, clean, reliable water for millions of Arizonans, and significantly advanced the sustainable management of water resources in Arizona and the Colorado River basin.
She earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan.
In her position at Arizona State University, she oversees the research efforts of the Kyl Center for Water Policy, serves as a Professor of Practice at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, and contributes to the Global Futures Laboratory.
Phone: 602-496-1799
Email: kathryn.sorensen@asu.edu
Website: https://morrisoninstitute.asu.edu/leadership/kathryn-sorensen
Gary Hix – Certified Well Driller and Pump Installer, Registered Professional Geologist, & Certifed Real Estate Instructor:
Gary Hix has worked in the groundwater industry for over 40 years. He is the owner of In2Wells and now spends his time in Arizona, occasionally consulting to private well owners, lawyers, realtors and well drilling pump installing businesses. For many years Gary was actively involved with the National Groundwater Association, where he was a Contributing Editor to their Water Well Journal magazine, a frequent workshop instructor and nominated as the Groundwater Foundations’ McEllhiney Distinguished Lecturer for 2019.
His years of experience in many different areas surrounding water wells, well drilling, pump installing, real estate transactions of properties with wells, shared water wells, construction defects and environmental issues has prepared him for him to provide expert witness services when needed.
His full Resume’ can be found by clicking here