Indigenous knowledge and methodologies are a missing component in water management in Australia. On this dry, flat, and ancient continent, Traditional Knowledge has been passed on from generation to generation for millennia (over 65,000 years). This is a profound reliance on knowledge of surface and groundwater, which has been critical to ensure the survival of Indigenous peoples in a dry landscape through the role of traditional knowledge in finding and protecting water places.
WRRC - Greater depth, broader perspective for a clear water future
WRRC Invites Proposals for 2023 Annual Conference - Submit a proposal
Office Update 1-4-2022
Greater depth,
broader perspective
for a clear water future
We tackle key water policy and management issues, empower informed decision-making, and enrich understanding through engagement, education,
and applied research.
2021 WRRC Photo Contest Winner: James Bowman - Whitewater Draw, AZ (cropped)
Real Impact
Get involved and see the latest ways we are making a difference.
Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.
Be Informed
Subscribe to keep up with our news and events weekly, quarterly or annually.
Arizona Water Map Poster
The Water Resources Research Center Arizona Water Map Poster is the latest in our series of reliable and concise visual representations of Arizona's water resources. This, the fourth edition of the map is the product of a design and review process that engaged stakeholders from across regions and sectors. The new map reflects the current state of water resources in Arizona, as well as a culture of management and planning unique to the state.
Outreach
We transfer water research results and information to other researchers, water managers, policy makers, and the wider public through publications, conferences, lectures, seminars, and workshops.
Director’s Activities
33
ENGAGEMENT
ACTIVITIES
spanning from
Arizona to Israel
ACTIVITIES
spanning from
Arizona to Israel
7
STUDENTS ADVISED
in Arizona, national, and
global water policy
in Arizona, national, and
global water policy
11
PUBLICATIONS
including posted
materials and papers
including posted
materials and papers
12.9k
INDIVIDUALS
REACHED
Through engagement
activities (estimated)
REACHED
Through engagement
activities (estimated)
Brown Bag Seminars
710
ATTENDANCE
in person and via
online webinars
in person and via
online webinars
25 Speakers
including local,
national, and
international
experts
including local,
national, and
international
experts
210
additional
online views
following the
presentations
additional
online views
following the
presentations
Annual Conference
333
PEOPLE REGISTERED
for the 2018 conference
The Business of Water
26 Speakers
and Panelists
and Panelists
Spring 2018
AWR Newsletter
recaps key messages
from the
conference
AWR Newsletter
recaps key messages
from the
conference
18 Conference
sponsors
sponsors
Presentations
available on the
WRRC website
available on the
WRRC website
Programs
Water RAPIDS (Water Research and Planning Innovations for Dryland Systems) helps communities balance a secure water future for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors with the water demands of the natural environment. Planning for people and natural resources together will lead to a more sustainable future.
The Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program (TAAP) is a joint effort between Mexico and the United States to evaluate shared aquifers. Under this program, scientists from each country collaborate on producing binational studies on shared waters. The Mexican and U.S. Principal Engineers of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) signed the “Joint Report of the Principal Engineers Regarding the Joint Cooperative Process United States-Mexico” for the TAAP.
Groundwater is increasingly important for meeting water demand across the United States. Forward thinking governance and effective management are necessary for its sustainable use. The U.S. has state governments that are primarily reponsible for groundwater governance (i.e., making laws, policies, and regulations) and management (i.e., implementation of laws, policies, and regulations).
Arizona, Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian Territories are arid/semi-arid lands that face similar water challenges. The Water Resources Research Center has been working to facilitate communication and develop partnerships related to water management and policy in the Middle East. The focus has been on the critical water issues of water-stressed regions and transboundary waters.
Additional Programs
Upcoming Events
Featured Event
Feb 1 3:00PM
Brown Bag
WRRC Brown Bag: Kamilaroi (Indigenous) Knowledge and Methodologies to Inform Water Management
Feb 10 3:30PM
Special Event
19th Annual WRRC Chocolate Fest
Please join us on Friday, February 10 from 3:30 to 5:00 PM for the WRRC’s Annual Chocolate Fest. This year, we are thrilled to be hosting this fun event in-person at the WRRC’s offices! The agenda this year is simple: gather with friends and colleagues, enjoy chocolaty treats, and see the winning photographs from our 2022 Annual Photo Contest. In keeping with tradition, this year’s celebration will be a chocolate potluck! Start thinking about what you would like to bake, concoct, purchase, or brew, then bring your favorite divine chocolate delectation to share.
WRRC Brown Bag Webinar: A Living River – The Santa Cruz Rive...
The Santa Cruz River has long been the backbone of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Although the river has changed since humans first arrived in the region 12,000 years ago, the river still exists and is a “living” entity that continues to support wildlife and communities along its course. Throughout Arizona, the release of effluent maintains flows of many river reaches. The Santa Cruz River is fortunate to have three stretches with effluent flows—one near Nogales in Santa Cruz County and two near Tucson in Pima County.
News
Featured News
January 13, 2023
WRRC Invites Proposals for 2023 Annual Conference
The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center invites proposals for conference presentations and posters for its 2023 Annual Conference, What Can We Do? Solutions to Arizona’s Water Challenges. Proposals should offer solutions to the pressing water resource challenges currently facing Arizona and the region. Drought in the Colorado River Basin may be foremost on many people’s minds, but beyond this critical challenge, the pressures of growth and climate change continue to be troubling.
January 13, 2023
Calling All APW Water Festival Volunteers!
APW is so excited to be getting back into the field, with many of its 2023 Water Festivals taking place in February and March. This means there are many opportunities for the public to get involved and contribute to their communities at these fun-filled educational field days. Arizona Water Festivals help 4th graders across the state gain a deeper understanding of water in the Earth System and Arizona's water resources.
January 13, 2023
USGS Coordination Grant Awarded for Measuring River Flooding Events
As Arizona’s federally authorized Water Resources Research Institute, the WRRC helps administer USGS-funded Coordination Grants under the Water Resources Research Act. Dr.
December 16, 2022
Water on Mars
To investigate connections between landforms on Mars to landforms on Earth, APW travels far into water education topics. Through a partnership with Flagstaff’s STEM City Full STEAM Ahead (FSA) program, APW is engaged in a year-long initiative with FUSD’s Shauna Cooper of Knoles Elementary to deepen science instruction in her fifth-grade classroom.
December 09, 2022
Rep. Jim Kolbe Remembered for His Service to Southeastern Arizona
On Saturday, December 3, former congressional representative for Southern Arizona, Jim Kolbe, died at age 80. He had served in Congress for 22 years, from 1984 to 2006, for 20 years as a member of the influential House Appropriations Committee.
December 02, 2022
Two New Publications from WRRC Staff
Two new publications have recently been released, featuring work from WRRC staff. Transboundary Aquifers – Challenges and the way forward, was published by the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
November 18, 2022
First Citizen Initiated AMA Approved by Voters
On November 8, 2022, residents in two southeastern Arizona groundwater basins voted on whether to put limits on groundwater use.
Online Tools
Beyond the Mirage
A full feature documentary that tells the story about the future of water in the west. From that documentary, make your own movie from hundreds of quality clips.
Water Use Dashboard™
Get conservation tips, track water savings, and make your drops count! Connecting voluntary water conservation with community action.