The copper industry and water in Arizona

Abstract

Two of Arizona's most important natural resources are copper and water. Copper has been vital to the development of the state's economy. Currently the copper industry accounts for more than five billion dollars in direct and indirect economic benefits in Arizona. The copper deposits are, however, located in areas with little or no surface water resources. The lack of adequate surface water supplies has resulted in the exploitation of the ground water resources. Many areas of the state are experiencing ground water overdrafts. The copper industry's water withdrawals while insignificant at the state level, accounting for less than 3 percent of the state total, are often very important to the local water resources. The copper industry's water requirements are expected to increase over the next 10 to 20 years. To prevent further depletion of the state's ground water resources, conservation measures must be adopted. There are a number of conservation methods available to reduce the copper industry's new water requirements. These methods can be instituted by various management strategies at the state and local levels. The strategies include development of a comprehensive state water plan, land use regulations, and taxing schemes.