Governor Jan Brewer is making water sustainability a top state priority through the establishment of a blue ribbon panel charged with boosting sustainability through increased conservation and recycling.

Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Herb Guenther, Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Kris Mayes, and Arizona Department of Environment Quality (ADEQ) Director Ben Grumbles are directing the effort. The panel will use a variety of tools, technology, innovation, and collaboration to reduce water waste and inefficiency, recycle water, and restore watersheds. The panel is considering:

• The importance of water-efficient technologies and practices
• The need to recognize the nexus of water and energy
• Additional conservation measures
• The assistance of the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona

The panel will also be considering the suggestions and concerns of cities, towns, and other water providers involved in implementing new strategies.

Although Arizona is a leader in the nation in the reuse of water, the panel's key focus in the multi-agency collaboration is on water reuse and the technical, legal, and policy challenges of promoting the recycling of wastewater, graywater, industrial process water, and stormwater.

INFO: Contact ADEQ's Mark Shaffer at 602-771-2215.