The Bureau of Reclamation recently agreed to take the first step in a major water project for northern Arizona, and it could impact Flagstaff’s future water supply.  The water supply at Flagstaff’s Red Gap Ranch has been in the city’s hands for nearly two decades. Now a new study could bring the long-planned water pipeline one step closer to reality. The Bureau of Reclamation will begin an appraisal-level study to assess the pipeline’s feasibility, design and cost. It’s the first federal step in a project meant to boost water resilience during drought and disasters. If built, the pipeline would stretch more than 35 miles from Red Gap Ranch to the city. The study follows support from Gov. Katie Hobbs and Sen. Mark Kelly, and aligns with a broader tribal water rights agreement signed last fall.

Other Arizona water news:

• Arizona Capitol Times (Phoenix): Lawmakers bicker with (Ariz. Gov.) Hobbs over groundwater supply
• Arizona Capitol Times (Phoenix): Patrick Adams: A fresh approach to the long history of water policy
• The Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Is Phoenix sustainable? Experts tell SEJ conference the region plans for heat, drought
• Arizona Capitol Times (Phoenix): Officials expect ‘100 million gallons’ of water a day from advanced purification facilities