
Tapped
This is Tapped, a podcast that explores the issues of water in the Southwest, from how we get it, to what it means for those who have it... or those who don't.
Latest episodes

Jul 24, 2024 • 19min
Dry but Alive: Rethinking Golf's Green Lawns
Arizona has long been a hotspot for golfers looking to keep up their game as weather elsewhere turns cold. But, for just as long, the state has been working to limit water use by golf courses. How much of a part does golf play in Arizona's water issues?

Jul 17, 2024 • 23min
Taming the Colorado
Discover the dramatic history of the Colorado River, once a vibrant artery for trade, now tamed by dams. Learn how the Parker Dam transformed water rights in Arizona and ignited fierce disputes with California. Uncover the tales of pioneers like Nellie Bush, who navigated tumultuous waters during legal battles. Delve into the birth of Lake Havasu City and the ongoing complexities of water allocation that continue to challenge the region today. This journey reveals the intertwined narratives of nature, politics, and human ingenuity.

Jul 5, 2024 • 1min
Season 3 Trailer
Why do so many Saudi Arabian-owned farms grow alfalfa in Arizona? How bad is our current water crisis compared with historical droughts? The new season of AZPM's hit water podcast answers these questions and more. Join us on July 17 for all new episodes.

37 snips
Nov 3, 2023 • 26min
Navigating murky waters: how laws and regulations can hinder tribal initiatives
Guests Katya Mendoza and Paola Rodriguez discuss the Havasupai people's fight against uranium mining near the Grand Canyon and their concerns about water contamination. They explore the impact of outdated regulations, the importance of protecting sacred lands, and the need for reform in mining laws. They also delve into the challenges faced by tribal initiatives in Arizona, including water rights and future water supply in the region.

19 snips
Oct 27, 2023 • 28min
A generational battle: How a tribe’s concern over mining contamination on ancestral homelands brought Biden to Arizona
Uranium mining in Arizona's Grand Canyon region has caused concerns about water contamination for the Havasupai people. President Biden's proclamation designating ancestral lands as the Bajnawacho Ita Kukvini brings recognition and emotional significance. The chapter explores the environmental consequences and legal battles surrounding uranium mining. It also discusses the complexities of groundwater management, tribal rights, and economic development in Arizona.

Oct 18, 2023 • 25min
An unprecedented water line in an unprecedented place
In this Tapped episode, Danyelle Khmara delves into the Grand Canyon's water infrastructure challenges and the extraordinary Transcanyon Waterline upgrade, highlighting the complexities of delivering clean water in this iconic natural wonder.

Oct 11, 2023 • 19min
When a reservoir is more than stored water
Lake Powell is the reason Page, Arizona exists. The city of 7,500 started as a work camp for those building Glen Canyon Dam. Today, the lake and dam provide the it with water and electricity, and lake-related business accounts for about three-quarters of its taxbase. So how does the ebb and flow of the lake's main source of water, the Colorado River, affect life in Page?

Oct 4, 2023 • 27min
Water and housing redux
Updates on the ongoing saga of a home development in Cochise County. Connection between federal water rights and housing in Arizona. Explores the relationship between groundwater and surface water in the San Pedro river. Recent ruling and lawsuit against the tribute development. Local environmental advocate shares thoughts on the potential impact of the project. Challenges of enforcing water rights and potential consequences of wildcat development.

10 snips
Sep 27, 2023 • 30min
Water and copper
Explore the historical significance of copper mining in Arizona and its contribution to the state's economy. Discover the impact of mining on water and the need for environmentally sustainable practices. Learn about the exploration of zinc and manganese in the Patagonia Mountains. Dive into the environmental impact of mining and the conversion of wet tailings into dry stack tailings. Understand the water treatment laws and the role of mining companies in water usage.

Sep 22, 2023 • 1min
Update on Episode 4
Hi, Tapped listeners. Our last episode mentioned issues around the adjudication of just how much water should be guaranteed to run through the San Pedro River. At the time we were reporting, that amount had not been quantified. But it now has. While we haven't combed through the details yet, you can get updates as we follow this story at news.azpm.org
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