Central Arizona Basins NAWQA

1. Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this study is 1) to provide a consistent description of current water-quality conditions in central and southern Arizona; 2) To define long-term trends in water quality; and 3) To identify, describe, and explain, if possible, the major natural and human factors that affect observed water-quality conditions and trends.

2. Background: In order to make rational decisions about water quality issues for the nation, consistent data at multiple scales are essentially needed over a long period of time. These data are currently unavailable, and as a result Congress has appropriated funding for the development of the National Water Quality Assessment Program which will be implemented in selected sites across the nation.

3. Funding: FY97 funding at $1.7 million.

4. Partners: USGS

5. Description and Approach: Compile information of available water-quality; sample and analyze surface and groundwater for a wide array of physical, chemical and biological properties; and interpret and report the results.

6. Results: This project is still underway and no results are available as of yet.

7. U.S. Contact: Gail E. Cordy, USGS, (520) 670-6671