Life with little water

By Nick Carey

Like many towns in the arid parts of the United States' southwest region, Flagstaff faces a never-ending challenge in its search for water, and it is getting harder.

"Eight years of drought conditions and a growing population haven't helped," said Randy Pellatz, the assistant director of utilities for the city of Flagstaff.

The heavily forested, mountain town of Flagstaff has grown to 62 000 people from 45 000 in 1990, straining its water resources. Upper Lake Mary, a man-made reservoir that provides up to 40 percent of the town's water needs of 11-million gallons a day, is down to 18 percent of normal levels.

Mark Shiery of Flagstaff's fire department said the area is up to three years behind normal precipitation levels, heightening the risk of forest fire in this high desert town.

"Wild fire is the single biggest threat we face," he said.

It is a stark puzzle: how to provide water for a growing population in desert or near-desert conditions. Then add in the long drought.
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