Recycling water in these and other ways is key to meeting
Arizona's long-term water needs, Benjamin Grumbles, the head of the
state Department of Environmental Quality, said in a recent
interview with Cronkite News Service.
"Reclaiming wastewater is absolutely the future," Grumbles
said.
Arizona currently recycles about 4 percent of its water.
Grumbles, who served as assistant administrator for water at the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, said he wants to see that
number increase significantly.
"In my view, there is no such thing as wastewater, just wasted
water," he said.
Grumbles, appointed to the post earlier this year by Gov. Jan
Brewer, said one of his chief goals is increasing collaboration
among agencies responsible for water, energy and the environment.
That commitment helped bring about a blue-ribbon panel overseen by
his department, the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the
Corporation Commission.
"Collaboration is at the heart of environmental
sustainability," Grumbles said.
He also said collaboration will help the agencies maximize
resources as they grapple with state budget cuts.
"Accepting the status quo is not an option," he said.
Grumbles said he supports Arizona staying in the Western
Climate Initiative, a group of states in the U.S. and Mexico and
Canadian provinces that have agreed to take action against climate
change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Some members of the
Legislature have said they want Arizona out of the compact.
"We can represent Arizona's unique interests, and with our
Western partners we believe we get better opportunities to make
significant comments and provide input to Congress," he said.
Grumbles said another key to providing Arizona with a
sustainable water supply is prices that better recognize the true
value of water. Since water is both a commodity and a necessity,
however, he said Arizona needs "lifeline rates" for people with low
incomes.
Looking toward next year's legislative session, Grumbles said
he expects to spend time pushing lawmakers to consider renewable
energy as a way to reduce greenhouse gases and boost the state's
economy.
"This is the era of clean energy and climate change," he said.
Arizona's abundance of land, sun and heat mean energy from
solar, wind and even algae can lead to green jobs here, Grumbles
said.
"I think Arizona may someday become the leading state in algae
biofuels," he said.
Grumbles said that while he is committed to helping reduce the
state's budget deficit he will advocate for the resources ADEQ needs
to carry out its mission.
"There is no free lunch when it comes to environmental
sustainability," he said.
Quick facts about ADEQ Director Ben Grumbles