News
Drought Series
Drought Declaration for Arizona
June 7, 2007
By Stephanie Doster
Arizona's Drought Preparedness Plan.
Governor Janet Napolitano signed a drought declaration for Arizona on May 22, 2007, calling upon citizens, businesses, schools, institutions of higher learning, and public agencies to increase water conservation efforts. The declaration comes as Arizona enters its second decade of a statewide drought due to long-term precipitation deficits and increased demand for water.
Arizona's drought declaration provides a mechanism for both preparedness and response to drought through the implementation of the Arizona Drought Preparedness Plan and action of local drought impact groups. The state is implementing measures to limit the effects of the long-term dry spell and minimize the risk of a drought emergency situation.
By creating a culture of conservation, we can greatly reduce the impacts of drought on our natural resources, economy, and quality of life. For more information, visit the Arizona Department of Water Resources conservation web site at http://azgovernor.gov/media/ExecutiveOrders.asp for outdoor and indoor water conservation tips. To find out how you can get involved with a local drought impact group in your county, visit the Arizona Department of Water Resources' web site at www.azwater.gov.