Tapped

Exploring the impact of housing development on water consumption in Arizona, with a focus on the battles over building houses while trying to protect the San Pedro River. The podcast discusses regulatory processes, legal disputes, and concerns raised by environmental advocates. It also delves into investigations into possible quid pro quo between developers and Trump administration officials, and the challenges faced by communities in managing water resources and housing development in the state.

Explore the impact of changing water supply in Arizona on traditional agricultural industries. Discover the efficient water management techniques used in cotton, citrus, and cattle farming. Learn about the shift from flood irrigation to more efficient systems like drip irrigation. Delve into land ownership, leasing, and water significance in Marana. Examine the cultivation of alfalfa and its implications for water consumption amid the ongoing drought.

Most of us get our water from a utility company, be it a large municipal one or a small private entity. This week, we look at the work that one small company does to keep the water flowing, and what happened when another utility had a big problem.

Dams are a key part of Arizona's water infrastructure, but experts say they are often ignored. So what happens when one breaks? To open our second season, we look at two examples that show opposite extremes of the results of a dam failure.

Tapped returns with all-new episodes on August 23, 2023. This season, we focus on how we get water from where it is to where we want it and the effects that has on our lives and the environment.

This podcast explores the challenges of Arizona's rapid population growth and the impact on water resources. It discusses the importance of strategically positioning parks and playgrounds to save water and build relationships. The podcast also delves into water regulation, sustainable development, and the need to reevaluate subdivisions to address potential water scarcity. It highlights the challenges of providing amenities while limiting water usage and the importance of collective action and cooperation. Lastly, it discusses the challenges of managing growth, strain on infrastructure, and the balance between preserving farmland and unsustainable development.

Water diplomacy takes center stage as guests discuss the challenges facing farmers in Chihuahua due to drought and the need for improved management. The complexities of transboundary aquifers between the U.S. and Mexico are explored, highlighting successful collaborations and the impacts of climate change. Innovative irrigation practices are showcased as solutions for small farmers, while the intricacies of water management in growing areas like Arizona are critically examined. The urgency for cooperative strategies to tackle water scarcity is emphasized throughout.

We're taking a short break this week, but come back on Monday, August 22 for stories about water on the border.

Tucson made big changes that had big impacts on its water consumption. What else could it do if it can pull off more shifts like this?

Poor water practices made the Santa Cruz River practically disappear, but new efforts have some water flowing again. And when there’s water in the desert, life follows quickly. Animals and plants that used to rely on the river are returning, sometimes with the help of scientists.