Quote:
Originally Posted by Camelback
FYI: Phoenix is only approx 160 miles from the Gulf of California. AZ did build a 335 mile long canal from the Colorado River through central AZ to Tucson and actually pumps water uphill. It's an engineering marvel. A desalination plant piping water over a long distance certainly isn't out of the question should the supply come in to question in the future.
A desalination plant from the Gulf is possible and given the close cultural, trading, political relationship that AZ has with Sonora, a deal would be possible between the two (probably more likely than a deal with California).
To a few other posts (not you), Phoenix's water supply consists of only 2% ground water. Rural towns and cities up north rely heavily on ground water because they do not hold surface water rights. Fortunately 80% of the population lives in Phoenix and Tucson and they hold most of the water rights. Others have already said that with less agricultural operations, water saving programs, efficient appliances, water consumption has not increased despite the state adding 6 million additional people.
This dynamic is also true for the 25 million people in Southern California as well. Los Angeles doesn't quench their thirst from the mighty LA River.
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You are glossing over a few things to paint a rosy scenario. While Phoenix may not use groundwater, Mesa does primarily use groundwater. As ground water resources dwindle in places like Yavapai County, you might see a big change in how water rights are negotiated. It is nearly a quarter million people and growing fast, and asking them to move to the valley isn't a viable option.
Also, as I've stated before on this thread, how can you just decide to stop agriculture usage, especially when it yields products needed by places like Phx and Tucson, and even the country? If both cities and farms cannot exist simultaneously, you have a much bigger issue at hand.