Exploring Challenges and Opportunities for Water Conservation and Stormwater Management in the Verde Valley Watershed

The Town of Camp Verde, located in the Verde Valley, a region in central Arizona, is interested in exploring new opportunities and pathways to promote water conservation in the local community as well as regional watershed. While the region faces ongoing challenges around water quantity and quality – which are being addressed through collaboration with local and national nongovernmental organizations and other critical partners – downstream issues such as stormwater management are also integral to long-term conservation efforts. The Town collaborated with Master of Public Affairs students to identify and examine challenges, opportunities, and best practices for 1) the development of municipal ordinances that promote water conservation and stormwater management in the Verde Valley watershed and 2) education, communication, and awareness-building around water conservation for target audiences in the Verde Valley watershed, including: K-12 youth, adult residents and retirees, and visitors. Findings will inform updates and additions to ordinances as well as a framework for further education and engagement with key audiences in the local community.