Conserve to Enhance Linking Water Conservation to the

Conserve to Enhance Linking Water Conservation to the Environment Contacts: Inside Arizona: Candice Rupprecht Coordinator, Water Resources Research Center candicer@cals. arizona. edu Outside Arizona: Aaron M. Lien Analyst, Water Resources Research Center amlien@cals. arizona. edu San Pedro River, Arizona. Photo Credit: The Nature Conservancy University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences www. cals. arizona. edu/azwater Salt River, Arizona. Photo Credit: Brittany Choate 1

WRRC Mission The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) promotes understanding of critical state and regional water management and policy issues through applied research, community outreach and public education. The WRRC is committed to: assisting communities in water management and policy; � educating teachers, students and the public about water; and � encouraging scientific research on state and regional water issues. � Website: www. cals. arizona. edu/azwater 2

The Forgotten Sector Above: Verde River, AZ (Photo credit: Jeanmarie Haney). Below: Salt River at Rio Salado, Phoenix, AZ (Candice Rupprecht) 6. 7 MAF Environmen t 3

Conserve to Enhance (C 2 E): An Innovative Voluntary Mechanism How C 2 E Works 1. Water is conserved (at homes & businesses) Water saved through conservation efforts 2. Money saved through water conservation 3. Money donated to a C 2 E fund 4. Money used to implement environmental enhancement projects Program development funded by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. Current funding includes Walton Family Foundation. Donations support riparian enhancement 4

Benefits of C 2 E Provide water to environmental enhancement projects Link individual water conservation to environmental benefits Raise awareness about water conservation and environmental water needs Create a simple accounting mechanism and reliable funding source Create new excitement for water conservation! 5

Tucson Pilot C 2 E Program Advisory Board informs program implementation through project selection and oversees funding distribution EPA provides funding for implementation of residential rainwater harvesting projects to conserve potable water Tucson Water provides access to participants’ water records with permission and includes a check box on all water bills Donations used to fund environmental enhancement Supporting Audubon riparian restoration project: tree plantings and supplemental watering 6

Supporting Pilot Development in New Communities WRRC Role: Assistance Tailoring New C 2 E Programs to Meet Community Needs & Priorities Active Stakeholder Engagement & Partner Development Integrated Program Development Support C 2 E Program Template & Guidance on Key Elements Across the Colorado River Basin 7

http: //www. cals. arizona. edu/azwater/conserve 2 enhance Inside Arizona: Candice Rupprecht candicer@cals. arizona. edu 520 -621 -6318 Outside Arizona: Aaron M. Lien amlien@cals. arizona. edu 520 -621 -3795 Dr. Sharon B. Megdal, Director Joanna B. Nadeau University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center Photo Credit: Aaron M. Lien, UA WRRC 8