Big Chino Water Pumping and Pipeline(s)
Position Statement
Background
The Verde River is one of the last semi-arid perennial rivers in the United States. According to U.S.
Geological Survey reports, the first 24 miles, also referred to as the upper Verde River, rely on springs
originating from the Big Chino aquifer for at least 80% of its base flow. Without baseflow, a stream is a
dry wash, flowing only during storm runoff. Hydrologists predict that pumping water from the aquifer
will eventually result in a near equal reduction of flow in the Verde River.
The upper Verde River provides some of the best habitat for native fish recovery and is home to
populations of other key species in an ecologically diverse habitat. The spring flow is crucial to
downstream riparian habitat required by Arizona’s bald eagle, western yellow-billed cuckoo,
southwestern willow flycatcher, and other important and sensitive, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
The degradation and/or loss of riparian habitat causes serious negative and irreversible consequences for
the wildlife and plant species dependent on those habitats and precludes governmental agencies and the
public from obtaining cultural, social, economic, and recreational benefits. Specifically, reduction in the
baseflow in the upper Verde threatens the health of many native fish and wildlife species, diminishes the
recreational opportunities on the river, and reduces the availability of clean water to downstream
communities and farms in the Verde Valley and in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Position
We, the undersigned, believe that as currently proposed, the Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley
water importation projects, as well as planned and potential large scale development projects in the Big
Chino Valley will greatly reduce the flow in the upper Verde River. These projects will reduce flow by
intercepting Big Chino groundwater that currently flows to the river. The reduction in flow will
adversely impact the abundant wildlife and plants that inhabit the region and the people that enjoy the
river.
Protecting Arizona’s scarce renewable water resources is critical to our existence and the economic
viability of our future. Responsible regional planning on a local level is essential to set the proper
course.
The three communities and large-scale developers must implement comprehensive plans to prevent
adverse impacts to the river caused by their projects and without making the Verde an effluent
dependent river. These plans must be completed prior to commencing construction of pumping or
pipeline infrastructure. We strongly recommend that these communities and developers work with the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prepare Habitat Conservation Plans or other mitigation plans that
would prevent adverse impacts.
Further, the communities and county must develop aggressive water conservation and regional water
management activities in order to avoid further depleting the aquifers that supply the headwaters of the
Verde River.
Working together, we can keep the Verde River flowing.
Big Chino Water Pumping and Pipeline(s)
Position Statement
endorsed by
American Rivers
Agua Fria Open Space Alliance
Arizona Wilderness Coalition
Arizona Wildlife Federation
Center for Biological Diversity
Citizens Water Advocacy Group
Desert Rivers Audubon Society
EcoRx
Endangered Habitats League
Grand Canyon Chapter Sierra Club
Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Huachuca Audubon Society
Keep Sedona Beautiful
Maricopa Audubon Society
One Root Tea & Herbothecary
Paulden Area Community Organization (PACO), Board of Directors
Prescott Audubon Society
River Runners for Wilderness
Sonoran Audubon Society
Sustainable Arizona
Teagarden Network Wellness Center
Tsunami on the Square
Verde River Citizens Alliance
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