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The Daily

Arizona’s Pipe Dream

Sep 1, 2023
Christopher Flavelle, a climate adaptation reporter for The New York Times, teams up with Chuck Podolak, head of Arizona's Water Infrastructure Finance Authority, to explore Arizona's growing water crisis. They discuss the alarming rates at which groundwater is depleted, posing a threat to both drinking water and agricultural sustainability. Delving into controversial solutions like desalination and the financial and environmental hurdles of a major pipeline project, they highlight the urgent need for innovative and sustainable approaches to secure Arizona's water future.
39:03

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Quick takeaways

  • Groundwater depletion is a critical issue in the United States, with aquifers shrinking nationwide and threatening drinking water supplies and food production.
  • Arizona is considering the ambitious idea of building a desalination plant in Mexico and constructing a 200-mile pipeline to transport desalinated water, although concerns about cost and environmental impact remain.

Deep dives

Groundwater Crisis in the United States

A comprehensive investigation by The New York Times reveals that groundwater depletion has become a critical issue in many parts of the United States. The report highlights the alarming rates at which Americans are pumping out groundwater, an essential water source for drinking, farming, and various other needs. The investigation shows that groundwater is being depleted faster than it can be replenished, putting many regions at risk of running out of water. This problem extends beyond the drought-prone West and affects states like Maryland, Kansas, Arkansas, New York, and Minnesota. Among the states, Arizona stands out as one of the most seriously affected, prompting restrictions on new construction due to dwindling water supplies.

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