Pima County and Sonoran Institute Continue Work with Lower Santa Cruz

Lower Santa Cruz River (photo courtesy Sonoran Institute)

Newly released Living River Report demonstrates sustained improvements

TUCSON, ARIZONA — Pima County and the Sonoran Institute have completed the final EPA-funded report in a series entitled A Living River. The new report describes the conditions of the Lower Santa Cruz River between October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016 and how things have improved since Pima County expanded and upgraded Tres Rios Wastewater Reclamation Facility and constructed the new state-of-the-art Agua Nueva Wastewater Reclamation Facility in 2013. The resulting improved water quality now supports more diverse aquatic wildlife, is sustaining an increase in river recharge (double the volume before upgrades), and is enhancing a valuable community amenity.

The Lower Santa Cruz River flows year-round through northwest Tucson and Marana, with most of the water coming from two regional water reclamation facilities. This stretch of the Santa Cruz River provides the longest length of river dominated by effluent in the state.

“Conditions along the river have changed dramatically since the upgrades to the Wastewater Reclamation Facilities in 2013,” Sonoran Institute Ecologist Claire Zugmeyer said. “The fact that we’ve found five species of fish in the river since 2015 speaks volumes to the improvements in water quality.”

Prior to the upgrades, only one species of fish was found, and though current species are all non-native, their presence demonstrates one of the many benefits of releasing high quality water into the river.

Additional highlights from this year’s report include: further improvement in water quality and clarity, wetland plant cover varied with water presence in the river’s drying sections and continued minimal levels of odor escaping the reclamation facilities.

The Pima County Regional Flood Control District and the Sonoran Institute are hosting an event to celebrate the river and the release of the latest report from 4–5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14 at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave. The Sonoran Institute will host an informal social hour at 5:30 p.m., at Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E. Toole Ave., following report presentations from expert speakers.

In addition to continued monitoring of river conditions with the Living River Project, Pima County Regional Flood Control District is building on this effort by developing a management plan for the Santa Cruz starting with the stretch from Grant to Trico Road. Year-round flows often result in wear and tear to the bank protection, requiring frequent repairs and an ongoing need to manage changing river conditions to prevent flood damage and ensure the Santa Cruz 3 continues to serve as an amenity to the community.

“Our goal is to determine what Pima County residents value about the Santa Cruz River so that we can continue to achieve community benefits as well as provide flood safety,” Evan Canfield, Civil Engineering Manager, Pima County Regional Flood Control District, said.

To that end, the Sonoran Institute, has developed a survey intended to gauge public priorities, values, and concerns for the river. Participation in the online questionnaire is anonymous and the feedback will help with the formation of long- and short-term management strategies for the Santa Cruz River. The deadline for submitting answers is September 15, 2017.

This online survey is a companion to upcoming community workshops where the Sonoran Institute and Pima County will gather feedback on the public’s values and concerns, building a vision for the river. These workshops will be at the following locations and times:

  • Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center
    • October 10, 6–7:30 p.m. (Focus area – Grant to Ina Road)
  • Town of Marana Municipal Complex, 2nd Floor Conference Room
    • October 12, 6–7:30 p.m. (Focus area – Avra Valley to Trico Road)
  • Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library
    • October 18, 6–7:30 p.m. (Focus area – Ina to Avra Valley Road)

According to Zugmeyer, “The Living River project is helping to connect people to the river. We’re thrilled to be taking this work to the next level by facilitating a dialogue and collecting community ideas that will shape the future of the Santa Cruz. This effort is critical for reconnecting Tucson to the river that has nourished and sustained our community for thousands of years.”