Stakeholders in Arizona’s Colorado River water supply now have a visualization tool to help them maneuver the challenges posted by system shortages.

Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy and Kyl Water Center announced its new CuRVE Project that models the impacts to Arizona of Colorado River climate, hydrologic, and management scenarios. “The CuRVE will visualize in an accessible way the potential effects of Colorado River shortages for individual community water systems, agricultural districts, tribal communities and industries across multiple years,” the Morrison Institute Reports.

According to the Morrison Institute, “Climate change is predicted to cause substantial reductions in the Colorado’s flow — of 25% or more — in the decades to come.  Central Arizona is first in line for cutbacks when a Colorado River shortage is declared, so Arizona water stakeholders must have credible, unbiased research to make important decisions about how water is used.”

The Arizona Colorado River Visualization Enterprise., also known as the Arizona CuRVE Project, is a digital tool offering detailed information about the shortage’s impacts in a format that anyone can access and understand.  The “story line” is available and includes a wealth of information, including how Colorado River water shortages will impact groundwater pumping and the cost of water. ArcGIS maps embedded in the story line allow users to learn more about water augmentation projects, groundwater levels and more.

Image source: Screenshot of CuRVE’s story line.

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