Former Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt praised the City of Prescott for its water conservation measures, but warned that a water crisis could be looming if the Big Chino Groundwater Basin remains unregulated. Babbitt offered his views on water during a Zoom meeting with Citizens Water Advisory Group with about 125 people attending. Prescott Mayor Phil Goode thanked Babbitt for noticing that Prescott has done a good job of managing its water portfolio. Prescott Councilman Brandon Montoya asked how they can do more for conservation. Babbitt responded through conservation, reuse of waste water and use of storm water.
Babbitt also praised CWAG for doing an extraordinary work with water and having the best website with water information. Babbitt was praising the local groups, but that did not extend to the governors or the legislators of the last 10 years as he said it is “shocking” that there is no regulation of any kind on the Big Chino Groundwater Basin. He said some of the water goes to Prescott, but the rest is wide open for use if it remains unregulated.
