The City of Peoria exists in a unique semi-arid desert region, with water bodies such as Lake Pleasant, the Agua Fria River, and the New River all lying within its borders. The city’s water comes from multiple sources and is distributed through the ubiquitous canal networks that traverse the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Peoria’s proximity to natural bodies of water, however, does not guarantee protection against climate change effects, such as drought. It is imperative for arid communities like Peoria to strategically plan and prevent future water shortages by strengthening water conservation efforts and developing mitigation plans in preparation for potential drought conditions. The City of Peoria has demonstrated its leadership and dedication to sustainable water management practices through municipal efforts such as the residential water rebate program, Sustainable University classes and workshops, and the development and updates of the City’s 2017 Water Conservation and Shortage Response Plan.
In the Spring 2020 semester, 7 undergraduate and graduate students in 2 classes took on the challenge of developing tangible ways for Peoria to maximize its water conservation efforts, as a continuation of the Water Conservation project was initiated in the Fall 2019 semester for Peoria’s partnership with ASU Project Cities. Both projects incorporated extensive research and interviews, as well as consultation with city staff on Peoria’s needs and current efforts.
Six students from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and Polytechnic School ERM 494/598: Water Resource Management class worked with Peoria’s Water Services. Students split into two groups to tackle their main objectives. Group 1 analyzed Peoria’s existing water sources to determine key points to implement the City’s Drought Management Plan. Group 2 focused on outlining actionable water conservation tactics to assist Peoria in minimizing its risks of drought. Both groups conducted their research in a forward-thinking manner, creating plans and solutions that would retain value and stay implementable as Peoria continues to grow and develop. Students conducted case studies of similar arid communities in Arizona and Texas to help determine relevant water conservation actions, including suggestions of tax credits, expanded greywater use, xeriscaping plans, and stormwater management.
Water conservation, especially in arid regions, is an ongoing issue. To be effective, conservation methods and protocols should be reevaluated and updated often. The student research displayed in the following summary report and recommendations aims to assist Peoria in this necessary process. By studying Peoria’s existing protocols and messaging, students have compiled feasible suggestions to assist the city in its continual efforts to conserve water as part of securing a sustainable future for the city’s residents and visitors.