Last week, this column offered a correction and some actual science on how aquifers recharge, to counter some misinformation in this newspaper quoting a “water expert.” This week, we open our eyes a bit wider – looking beyond our little aquifer system that supplies water for around 150,000 souls.
Despite our petty bickerings, our aquifer is generally sound, and the stresses of a 29-year drought are manageable. Hopefully, this strong “Super El Niño” will be the beginning of a drought-busting few years – time will tell. Today, however, we compare two systems that I like to call Big Water – systems that supply millions with the essential element of life in the desert — “Big Water” as in the Salt/Verde River system. “Really Big Water” is the Colorado River system. Each of these systems deserves their own column (or book, or series of volumes), but today is an overview. The Salt/Verde system comes first, because it is more “local.”
Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
Sorry, an error occurred.

Already Subscribed!

Cancel anytime
Account processing issue – the email address may already exist
Must be at least 8 characters, not contain repeating characters (e.g., 111), and not contain sequential numbers (e.g., 123).
Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don’t miss out on updates.
Latest News From Chino Valley Review
Latest News From Prescott Valley Illustrated
We’ll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen!
Get the latest music and entertainment news so you never miss a show.
Receive our newspaper electronically with the e-Edition email.

Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Invalid password or account does not exist
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.

Secure & Encrypted
Must be at least 8 characters, not contain repeating characters (e.g., 111), and not contain sequential numbers (e.g., 123).
Secure transaction. Secure transaction. Cancel anytime.

Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
A receipt was sent to your email.