ARIZONA DAILY STAR: Sat., Jan. 24, 2009

OPINION: Time for regional jurisdictions to join water talks

Tucson-Pima County study has gathered facts, policy issues are next

The title is daunting: "Water and Wastewater: Infrastructure, Supply & Planning Study." But the findings of this 10-month study by a citizens committee are fairly straightforward, according to the committee chair, James T. Barry: "We're in pretty good shape." That's the surprising good news from the committee.

The city and county are two sides to a coin: The city's Tucson Water provides water service to about 70% of the metro region and Pima County's wastewater system serves more than 80% of the area.

The report released this week completes only the mandate for Phase I, which was to gather facts, catalogue pipes and infrastructure, determine available and future water resources, and improve cooperation between city and county staff involved in land planning, waste reclamation, water use and other related issues.

Some notable findings:

• "There is a huge bill coming due," Barry said. Part of that bill will be cost of rehabilitation, maintenance and replacement of both city and county facilities. A big expense will be upgrading Pima County Wastewater's Ina Road and Roger Road facilities to meet new federal standards.

• Tucson Water has the capacity to serve a population of almost 1.1 million. In 2007 it served 733,937 customers.

FULL STORY: http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/277206