It's our lifeline to sustainability and growth. Yet there may be more controversy over it than any other issue facing the Valley and State. Water has moved to the top of our public policy agenda.

However, information varies considerably about water supply, Arizona's drought, the water rights settlement and conservation issues. Even those in the business of water management don't always deliver a consistent message.

Valley Forward's Water Committee serves as an advocate of conservation and provides education and support for new water technologies, such as gray water reuse, water harvesting designs, cisterns, etc.

WATER PRINCIPLES

• Long-range water planning should be an integral part of the municipal planning effort and routinely updated to increase Valley livability and sustainability.
• Valley water providers should preferentially utilize renewable water supplies and minimize groundwater overdraft.
• Valley water providers should ensure that Valley water users are consistently delivered quality water.
• Valley water providers should develop sound policy and adequately fund efforts such as drought management, water conservation, aesthetics, habitat and recreational opportunities.
• Valley water providers should promote/fund water education programs in the communities they serve.
• Valley cities and towns served by a private or public water utility have a responsibility to their residents to work closely with the utility to fully understand the water system, policy and future water management issues.

A WestGroup Research telephone survey conducted on our behalf found that a majority of Valley residents believe there is a water crisis in Arizona. Residents also feel that state and local governments are not doing enough to address water conservation.

In order to combat these perceptions, we unveiled "Valley Forward's Top 10 Reasons Why the Valley Has the Best Managed Water Supply in the Southwest." The Valley's secure water future is the result of over 100 years of visionary planning. It's clear, however, that while we lead the Southwest in managing water supplies, we have not done a good job of communicating our efforts.

Increased communication efforts are necessary. Valley Forward will continue outreach efforts in this important area. The following documents are some examples of how our message is being spread throughout this metropolitan area.