Terminal storage is not just a City of Tucson issue. It is an issue for all potential users of the CAP, from Oro Valley to Green Valley. We must put aside our differences on where and on whose land terminal storage facilities should be built. Terminal storage, whether in the form of a surface reservoir, underground storage, or a combination of both, is needed. The Tucson Regional Water Council continues to work toward the assurance of a long- term supply of water for the Tucson region.
Consensus opens the door for federal financial assistance.
For example, TRWC is working with the Bureau of Reclamation on developing community consensus for effluent use, which is the first component of applying for federal funds to help build a regional distribution system. We need to apply this same partnership approach to resolve the lack of CAP system reliability. We need to build awareness that the CAP project has not yet been completed and that terminal storage is necessary for a reliable long-term water supply. Without CAP reliability, we risk our assured water supply and jeopardize our future ability to manage potable water quality. Elaine Nathanson is the executive director of the Tucson Regional Water Council, an independent organization that brings together consensus on water policy.