By Tom Blodgett and Lucie Flagg | YourValley
What policies or practices should Gilbert adopt to aid in addressing the worsening water shortage on the Colorado River watershed?
Mario Chicas, account representative
“The state of Arizona has done a good job of preparing for water shortage. The state of Arizona has helped us prepare for years to come. Before we ask residents to make any water sacrifices, the town must go first. As we build out, we can look at what options we have instead of grass and promote low water use landscaping like artificial grass. Basically, we, the government should try to do its part before we ask residents to take any drastic measures.”
Michael Clark, president of Digital Illustrations LLC & AW Sales LLC
“Water conservation and storage will always be an issue. Public Works is earning water credits. Gilbert is constantly pumping water underground for when we need it. Gilbert is building more water storage tanks. Work with developers and new CC&R’s of communities to plan low use water landscaping. Example, Flagstaff homes rarely have grass in the yards. Flagstaff recognized water was limited and set rules to protect unnecessary water use. Idea: pool water is usually completely emptied every few years. When residents empty their pool, we collect thousands of gallons. The pool water filtered and used for irrigation water … not drinking water.”
