The WSP Program

Mission: To provide science-based technical, economic, legal, and policy expertise necessary for water development, use, and conservation in a rapidly growing, increasingly urban state.

Goal: To strengthen research, outreach, and education efforts in the water resource area at the University of Arizona to help ensure a sustainable, high-quality water supply for economic development and enhanced quality of life for all of Arizona.

In November of 2000, the voters of Arizona passed a 6 percent state sales tax in support of education. The funds collected are distributed as follows: 87% to K-12 education; 3% to community colleges; and 10% to higher education in the three state universities. The University of Arizona selected four specific research areas to support and expand with the new funding, which was designated as the Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF).

The four areas include Optics, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Water. The goal for each area is to build a critical mass of research and technology activity that focuses on local economic development by addressing the workforce needs and technical competitiveness of local industries. In addition, it was intended that the Universities could provide services to the taxpayers of the state that would enhance overall welfare.

The University of Arizona's Water Sustainability Program has been established to leverage the University's strengths in hydrology, water-related research and policy, and environmental technology industries to create several outcomes, including:

• Practical education for grades K-12 through graduate school to create general awareness of water issues and a skilled workforce
• Internationally recognized research and technology transfer initiatives, including a thriving industry cluster
• Stronger relationships across disciplines within the University of Arizona, which will result in research innovations and interdisciplinary solutions to real-world problems in the state

Making Arizona's water supply safer and more sustainable is a key underpinning to the state's economic development and a critical component to enhancing our quality of life. The University of Arizona has extensive and internationally recognized expertise in water-related research, sustainability planning, and technology development. The Water Sustainability Program builds on these strengths to provide services within the state that enhance educational opportunities, build the economy, and provide state-of-the-art scientific information in support of water management activities.