Publications

Groundwater pumping can have a significant impact on rivers and streams. The Verde River and its perennial tributaries are valuable resources to the Verde Valley and Arizona communities, providing water for irrigation, recreational opportunities such as fishing, and important habitat for wildlife. Rivers and streams also support economic opportunities, such as attracting visitors who watch birds and kayak. Protecting streams in the Verde Valley and throughout Arizona is in the interest of communities now and for future generations. Western Resource Advocates (WRA) undertook this study to provide important information to the Verde Valley community on how wells in the area impact river and stream flow and on opportunities for well users to manage their water use to help keep rivers and streams healthy. A better understanding of well pumping impacts is critical to making water management decisions to protect the Verde River and its perennial tributaries.