Tucson and Phoenix get water from different sources so they have different plans. Flagstaff though, probably has the most issues. Phoenix, on the other hand,
is trying to plan for a 100 years supply[/QUOTE
I fully understand that Phoenix and Tucson acquire their water from different sources. However, it appears there is a higher percentage of houses in Phoenix maintaining green grass. In Tucson that is an extreme rarity. There is the appearance that Phoenix residents have less concern regarding water conservation - which is strange when you live in a desert community.
Yup -I've lived in Phx (Tempe) and Tucson - was in Tucson when they changed from aquifer (sp?) to CAP water - YUCK! Yes, Phx is obsesses with midwest-like green lawns and 'water features" - huh? In the desert? Tucson tends to minimize that - I had even in my little house a desert landscape - indigenous plants and rock....and weeds ;-)
Water is a big issue - not just in AZ but all over the southwest and CA-and energy - there was a large renegotiation over energy from the Hoover damn whichis shared between four states...most of the energy flows towards SCAL, but the other states wanted more of their fair share.
I love AZ - grew up there and hope to end up there - however, I would not grow green grass, would plaster the house with solar and work on minimizing water usage. Actually, if you go into old adobe house, you see how good design using the benefits of the local environment can significantly reduce your energy usage while allowing you to be quite comfortable. Moreover, if you change your habits wrt when you are active outside, it makes a difference. Early morning and evenings are beautiful being out - midday is time for hibernating inside or in the shade.