An Unnatural River

Two wastewater treatment facilities in Tucson feed treated effluent to the Santa Cruz River fostering abundant native vegetation and wildlife along with new recreational and economic opportunities. One hundred percent of the water flow in the lower Santa Cruz comes from recycled water during non-rainy times. Researchers at the University of Arizona sought to discover how varied water use in the city impacted water flows and how those flows impacted the diversity of aquatic insects in the river. What they discovered revealed a great deal about the health of the river and the growing number of species who call it home.
To find out more about research projects being conducted at the University of Arizona’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment, visit snre.arizona.edu/
Producer/Editor: Mitch Riley
Videographer: Jordan Chin
Aerial Photography: Bryan Nelson, Michael McKisson

[@ridor9th]

I don't like UA but the idea to build a river - I'm all for it. Yes.

[@RCSVirginia]

There are a few questions that occur to me. Is the flow of this effluent water protected now, or could it just be taken away at any time for other uses? Does its quality, as measured scientifically, improve as it passes along its course? Has anyone thought of introducing, assuming that they could survive, endangered fish to the Santa Cruz, such as Quitobaquito Desert Pupfish and the Gila Top Minnow?

[@MrRyanlipp1980]

Where are the two facilities that are dumping into the Santa Cruz for Arizona? And is it true that Mexico is also dumping reclaimed water?

[@lurkingarachnid7475]

Oh there is so much more hidden in the river

[@RCSVirginia]

Much as I love nature, I would not wade in that water. That scum on its surface is quite off-putting.

[@ridor9th]

give it a time, it will heal.