Tapped

The podcast unveils the devastating impact of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation, where broken promises have left deep scars. It shares personal stories, like that of the Yazzie family, struggling with contaminated water and health issues. The importance of clean water as a sacred resource is emphasized, exposing the perilous conditions of unregulated wells. Listeners learn about systemic negligence, urgent calls for accountability, and the intertwined legacy of exploitation and the need for environmental justice.

Carletta Toulousey, a Havasupai tribal member, leads the charge against uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, advocating for clean water and air. Leona Morgan co-founded Hall Noh to combat nuclear colonialism in the Southwest. Taylor McKinnon from the Center for Biological Diversity highlights the dangers uranium mining poses to Indigenous communities and ecosystems. They discuss the clash between tribal sovereignty and nuclear energy needs, revealing how this fight affects the health of sacred lands and the future of water resources in the region.

Scarcity, pollution, flooding, and unchecked urbanization have created water issues in Nogales, Sonora. The city and researchers on both sides of the border are working on innovative ways to remedy.

Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes discuss the urgent water crisis in rural Arizona, where corporate farms, particularly a Saudi-owned operation, threaten local aquifers. They highlight the community's escalating tensions as residents fight against excessive water extraction, which leads to environmental degradation and potential subsidence. Insights from Cochise County reveal the emotional toll on families struggling with drying wells. The conversation calls for legislative reforms to protect vital water resources amidst growing corporate influence.

Explore the chaotic struggle over Arizona's rural groundwater management as proposed reforms collide with longstanding practices. Hear about the tensions within the Governor's Water Policy Council, grappling with legislative frameworks aimed at conserving water rights. Discover the heated debates affecting farmers, the push for transparency, and the diverse interests at play. The complexities of balancing conservation and landowners' rights ignite passionate discussions, revealing the challenges in modernizing essential water laws.

Rural Arizona faces a water crisis exacerbated by hedge funds and foreign interests tapping into local aquifers. Residents share their personal struggles with dwindling water resources, advocating for sustainable management. Tensions rise over unrestricted commercial well drilling and corporate land acquisitions, pushing communities to demand transparency. Legislative challenges further hamper the fight for water rights, while green energy projects loom large. The story unveils the complex interplay of profit and community survival in an arid landscape.

Discover the intriguing historical ties between Arizona and the Middle East that began with a camel program in the 1800s. Delve into the state's agricultural journey, including the rise of date palms and the competition with California. Learn about Saudi Arabia's significant land acquisitions in Arizona and the ensuing water scarcity concerns. Explore the intricate web of water regulations and the challenges posed by foreign agricultural interests. The discussion unveils critical issues surrounding land ownership and sustainable farming practices.

Discover how U.S.-Mexico collaboration is revitalizing the Santa Cruz River, once one of America's most endangered waterways. Learn about the transformation from pollution to a vital resource, alongside the ecological challenges faced, like cottonwood tree die-offs. Delve into the complex water supply issues impacting Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora, as well as the urgent need for improved wastewater management. Innovative strategies, like separating wastewater from stormwater, promise to enhance water quality for both nations.

In the 1960s, Arizona faced a dire water crisis that sparked the creation of a massive canal system. This intricate network transformed how water from the Colorado River is utilized across the state. The discussion highlights key historical agreements and the engineering feats behind the Central Arizona Project. Listeners learn about the shift from agricultural to urban water use and the economic ramifications for local communities. Challenges regarding water quality and sustainable management practices further underscore the importance of this vital infrastructure.

A heartbreaking loss in Arizona ignites a national campaign for clean drinking water. The podcast reveals a fierce battle between the EPA and U.S. Air Force over contaminated groundwater in Tucson. Personal stories underscore the human toll of toxic chemicals like PFAS, linked to cancer and serious health issues. Advanced treatment strategies and community efforts aim to tackle this environmental crisis. Listeners will discover the historical roots of contamination and the urgency for accountability and action to safeguard public health.