For nearly three decades, Arizona's Drought has been an ongoing challenge, reshaping how the state approaches farming, vegetation management, wildfire prevention, and household water supplies. While the situation has not yet reached a crisis point, policymakers and local governments are implementing conservation methods to secure long-term stability for residents.
Despite reassurances that the state has enough water to avoid immediate shortages, the reality of Arizona's Drought has sparked new policies. Communities such as Gilbert and Avondale even offer rebates to homeowners who replace traditional grass lawns with xeriscaping, a landscaping method designed to conserve water. These efforts reflect the urgency of planning for a growing population while vital water sources like the Colorado River and Roosevelt Lake continue to decline.
Water Scarcity Meets a Growing Cannabis Industry
Against the backdrop of Arizona's Drought, questions arise about the use of water-intensive crops. In 2020, recreational marijuana became legal through Proposition 207, and the industry quickly blossomed into a billion-dollar market. In fact, cannabis sales brought in more than $1.3 billion last year alone. However, as the industry grows, concerns remain about how cultivation intersects with limited water resources.
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