The Big Thirst: Will Arizona Run Out of Water? – Phoenix

Not If We Learn from the Past…

Whiskey’s for drinking, and water’s for fighting. The old quip about the West seems truer than ever today, as growth and climate change threaten  our water supplies. The Colorado River is dwindling, rural wells are going dry, and rivers could vanish. But history shows that Arizonans can solve water problems without a gunfight. The late Jack Pfister was a leader in reaching agreements on divisive water issues, from groundwater pumping to tribal water rights. What can Arizonans learn from Jack’s example to build consensus on the tough issues that we face now and in the future? Join Arizona Humanities and writer Kathleen Ingley for an evening to learn, discuss, and reflect on how one person can change the course of public events.

Kathleen Ingley is a freelance writer who specializes in the state’s pivotal issues. She was a reporter and editorial writer at the Arizona Republic, where her work  has included award-winning series on state trust land, the potential of solar energy, the threat of invasive plants, the increasing impact of the urban heat island and the challenge of growth. She is the author of Water, Power and Persuasion: How Jack Pfister Helped Shape Modern Arizona.