🧪 PFAS and TCE: A Tale of Two Toxins Haunting Tucson's Aquifers
🏭 Military-Industrial Complex: The Source of Southside's Toxic Legacy 💰 The True Cost: Health and Economic Impacts of Water Contamination
Based on the 10/4/24 Buckmaster Show on KVOI-1030AM.
🙊 Notable quotes from the show
"Tucson is one of the best-situated cities in the western United States when it comes to water resources, even though it doesn't look like it at the surface because we're in the middle of the snoring desert." - John Kmiec, highlighting Tucson's water management success
"We want to make sure that Tucson water customers know that no PFAS chemicals are delivered through the water system." - John Kmiec, addressing concerns about water contamination
"The animals love it. The animals love the Tucson Water customers sharing their waters and flying with them." - John Kmiec, describing the impact of river restoration efforts on wildlife
"We have over a hundred vacancies, and we've been running that way for a while." - John Kmiec, revealing staffing challenges at Tucson Water
"There is simply not enough news coverage in southern Arizona. There are just not enough reporters in Tucson to cover all of the news." - Caitlin Schmidt, explaining the motivation behind launching Tucson Spotlight
⏮️ ICYMI: From the Last Show…
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
🌵💧 Tucson is really good at saving water! They store extra water underground like a piggy bank. 🏦 Sometimes bad stuff gets in the water, but Tucson Water works hard to keep it clean. 🧼 They also use rain to make pretty green spaces in the city. 🌳 The Santa Cruz River, which used to be dry, now has water again, and animals love it! 🦅 Tucson Water needs more people to work for them, so maybe you can help when you grow up! 👩🔧👨🔧
🗝️ Takeaways
💧 Tucson leads in water conservation through innovative underground storage
🚱 Proactive measures taken to address PFAS contamination in groundwater
🚰 Tucson Water claims safety, but historical contamination raises doubts
🗺️ Environmental injustice persists between north and south Tucson
🧬 Long-term health impacts of TCE are still a concern for residents
🏛️ Military accountability for PFAS contamination remains unresolved
🌱 Storm to Shade program creates green spaces while managing stormwater
🐦 Santa Cruz River revitalization efforts support local ecosystems
💼 Tucson Water faces significant staffing challenges with over 100 vacancies
💰 Water rate adjustments proposed to cover rising costs while maintaining affordability
🤝 Regional cooperation in water management strengthens resource security
Jump to the 🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary based on:
📻 What They Discussed
On October 4, 2024, the Buckmaster Show, hosted by veteran broadcaster Bill Buckmaster, featured an in-depth interview with John Kmiec, the director of Tucson Water. The show also included co-host Caitlin Schmidt, a former Arizona Daily Star reporter, and co-founder of the new Tucson Spotlight news service. The discussion covered a wide range of topics related to water management in Tucson and the surrounding area, providing listeners with valuable insights into the challenges and innovations in desert water conservation.
🏜️ Tucson's Water Conservation Leadership
Tucson has emerged as a leader in water conservation and management in the Southwest, setting itself apart from other Arizona cities, particularly those in the Phoenix metro area.
John Kmiec emphasized this point, stating, "Tucson is one of the best situated cities in the western United States when it comes to water resources, even though it doesn't look like it at the surface because we're in the middle of the Sonoran Desert."
The city's approach to water management is multifaceted, involving a diverse portfolio of water sources and conservation strategies. One of the critical elements is the banking of Colorado River water underground for future use. This practice not only ensures a stable water supply for the future but also helps maintain the aquifer's health.
Tucson Water has been actively retiring farmland and repurposing it for water conservation efforts.
Kmiec mentioned that "Tucson retired over 22,000 acres of farmland west of the city in the early 1970s."
This land is now used for aquifer recharge facilities, where Colorado River water is stored underground.
The utility's proactive approach to water management extends to its infrastructure sharing with neighboring communities.
Kmiec explained, "How Marana and Oro Valley get their CAP water is they store it with Tucson water. So they use our facilities, we bank for them and then we wheel their water through the vast network of the systems that get to their customers."
This collaborative approach strengthens the region's overall water security.
🧪 Tackling PFAS Contamination
The interview addressed the severe issue of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in Tucson's groundwater. These "forever chemicals," primarily originating from firefighting foam used at military installations, have become a significant concern for water utilities across the country.
Kmiec reassured listeners that Tucson Water is proactively approaching this issue. "We want to make sure that Tucson water customers know that no PFAS chemicals are delivered through the water system," he stated.
The utility has shut down nearly 30 wells since 2016-2017, when PFAS concentrations were detected.
The contamination is along the Santa Cruz River north and northwest of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Tucson International Airport. Kmiec explained that the river's flow, including stormwater and effluent, may have contributed to the spread of these chemicals.
The interview also touched on the ongoing contestation by the U.S. Air Force of an EPA order to clean up the PFAS contamination. This situation highlights the complex interplay between federal agencies and local utilities in addressing environmental contamination.
Tucson Water's approach to PFAS contamination demonstrates its commitment to public health and environmental stewardship. The utility has invested in its own water quality lab, which Kmiec noted has conducted over 10,000 PFAS tests, allowing for rapid and accurate water system monitoring.
🌱 Storm to Shade: Innovative Stormwater Management
The Storm to Shade initiative was one of the most innovative programs discussed in the interview. Launched in 2019, this program focuses on capturing and utilizing stormwater for urban greening and beautification projects.
Kmiec described the program: "Storm to Shade is that project program created in 2019 officially. And it's a charge on the City Residence water bill. I think it's 13 cents per CCF, and it supports the creation of Neighborhood Stormwater Capture Project and beautification projects."
The program helps manage stormwater runoff, reduces flood risks, and creates green spaces throughout the city. These projects serve multiple purposes, including improving urban aesthetics, providing habitat for wildlife, and helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
An essential aspect of the Storm to Shade program is its focus on long-term maintenance. Kmiec emphasized that the fee collected also goes towards keeping these areas clean and well-maintained, ensuring their longevity and continued benefit to the community.
The success of this program has garnered attention from other cities, with Kmiec mentioning that he receives many inquiries about how to set up similar initiatives elsewhere.
🐦 Revitalizing the Santa Cruz River
The interview highlighted Tucson Water's efforts to revitalize the Santa Cruz River, which has significant ecological and cultural importance to the region. The utility has been instrumental in creating and maintaining flowing water in river sections that had previously run dry.
Kmiec described two main projects: the Santa Cruz River Heritage Park near downtown Tucson, where reclaimed water is discharged to create a small oasis, and a similar project near I-19 and Irvington, where purified water from the Tucson Airport Remediation Project is used to support riparian habitat.
These efforts have had a significant impact on local wildlife.
As Kmiec enthusiastically noted, "The animals love it. The animals love the Tucson Water customers sharing their waters and flying with them." The restored sections of the river have become popular spots for bird watching, attracting visitors worldwide.
The revitalization of the Santa Cruz River is an environmental project that reconnects the community with its natural heritage. It demonstrates how water management can go beyond mere utility to enhance the quality of life and support biodiversity in urban areas.
💰 Water Rates and Affordability
The interview addressed the sensitive topic of water rates and affordability. Tucson Water is proposing rate adjustments, including an increase in the water supply fee and changes to the rate structure for commercial and industrial customers.
Kmiec explained that these rate adjustments are necessary to cover the increasing costs of purchasing Colorado River water and maintaining the utility's infrastructure.
He emphasized that despite these increases, water in Tucson remains affordable: "Nationally, they think water should be somewhere between 1.5 and 2.5% of a household charge for the standard of living. And ours falls right in the medium price range for that."
The discussion of water rates highlighted the delicate balance that utilities must strike between ensuring the financial sustainability of their operations and maintaining affordability for residents.
👥 Staffing Challenges and Opportunities
An unexpected topic that emerged during the interview was Tucson Water's significant staffing challenges. Kmiec revealed that the utility currently has over 100 vacancies, reflecting a broader trend in municipal utilities nationwide.
"We have over a hundred vacancies, and we've been running that way for a while," Kmiec stated. He noted that these vacancies span various positions, from scientists and engineers to city planners.
This staffing shortage presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While it puts pressure on current employees and may affect service delivery, it also opens up career opportunities for young people interested in the water sector. Kmiec expressed a desire to attract more young people to careers in government utility services, highlighting the meaningful work and job security these positions can offer.
🌊 Monsoon Impacts on Water Management
The interview discussed how Tucson's monsoon season affects water management and usage. Kmiec explained that good monsoon seasons can positively impact water levels, particularly in mountainfront areas where rainwater percolates through the mountain and recharges the basin aquifer.
Additionally, wet monsoon seasons reduce customer water usage as people adjust their irrigation schedules in response to natural rainfall. This dynamic interplay between weather patterns and water usage demonstrates the complexity of managing water resources in a desert environment with variable precipitation.
In conclusion, the interview with John Kmiec provided a comprehensive overview of water management in Tucson, touching on topics ranging from conservation strategies and environmental challenges to infrastructure projects and staffing issues. It highlighted Tucson Water's innovative approaches to ensuring water security in a desert environment while addressing emerging contaminants and creating community amenities through thoughtful water management.
🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary
💧 Toxic Legacy: Tucson's Ongoing Water Struggle and Environmental Injustice
In a recent interview, Tucson Water Director John Kmiec painted a rosy picture of our city's water management, but let's dive deeper into the murky waters of environmental justice and the toxic legacy that continues to plague Tucson's southside communities.
🏜️ A Tale of Two Cities: North vs. South
Kmiec boasted, "Tucson is one of the best-situated cities in the western United States when it comes to water resources."
But for whom, señor? While north Tucson enjoys pristine water, our hermanos y hermanas on the southside have been battling contamination for generations. This isn't just about water management; it's about systemic environmental racism.
🧪 PFAS: The New TCE?
Kmiec reassured us that "no PFAS chemicals are delivered through the water system."
But let's not forget the ghost of TCE past. Our community suffered from TCE contamination for decades, and now PFAS is the new boogeyman. Are we supposed to trust that history won't repeat itself?
The director conveniently focused on PFAS, glossing over the TCE nightmare that still haunts many familias. Where was the acknowledgment of the ongoing health impacts of TCE exposure?
The silence speaks volumes.
👨👩👧👦 Generational Trauma and Health Impacts
The interview failed to address the long-term health consequences faced by southside residents.
As Pattie Daggett, a victim of the TCE contamination, poignantly shared in a KGUN9 report, "I know what this water did to myself and all those people that swam in here every day. It's heartbreaking."
Where's the plan to support these families, Mr. Kmiec? Where's the justice for those who've lost loved ones or face astronomical medical bills?
💰 The True Cost of "Affordable" Water
Kmiec claimed Tucson's water rates are affordable, falling within the national affordability index. But at what cost? The true price is paid in the health and well-being of our most vulnerable communities. As we've seen with the TCE lawsuits, the settlements barely scratch the surface of the real damages.
🏭 Military-Industrial Complex: The Elephant in the Room
The director danced around the issue of the Air Force contesting the EPA's cleanup order for PFAS. This is a prime example of how the military-industrial complex continues to poison our communities with impunity.
Daniel Andrés Domínguez wrote in the Arizona Journal of Environmental Law & Policy that this neglect "fits into the realm of environmental racism."
🌱 Green Infrastructure or Green Washing?
While the Storm to Shade program sounds lovely, it's a band-aid on a bullet wound. Instead of managing stormwater, how about addressing the root causes of contamination?
👥 Staffing Shortages: A Deeper Problem
Kmiec mentioned over 100 job vacancies at Tucson Water. But let's ask why. Could potential employees be wary of being complicit in a system historically prioritizing some communities over others?
🗣️ Call to Action
Tucsonenses, it's time to demand more than just water management. We need:
Complete transparency on all water contaminants, past and present
A comprehensive health study and support program for affected communities
Real accountability from polluters, including the military
Community-led oversight of water management decisions
Investment in long-term solutions that prioritize the most impacted neighborhoods
Tucson must unite for clean water and environmental justice for all, not just the privileged few.
Remember, agua es vida. But in Tucson, it seems some lives matter more than others regarding clean water. It's time to change that narrative, and it starts with holding our water officials accountable for the whole truth, not just the parts that make them look good.
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👯 People Mentioned
John Kmiec: Director of Tucson Water, former Detroit resident
Quote: "Tucson is one of the best situated cities in the western United States when it comes to water resources."
Bill Buckmaster: Host of the Buckmaster Show
Quote: "It's kind of disturbing, Caitlin, that the Air Force doesn't want to take responsibility."
Caitlin Schmidt: Co-host, former Arizona Daily Star reporter, co-founder of Tucson Spotlight
Quote: "There is simply not enough news coverage in southern Arizona."
Susan Barnett: Co-founder of Tucson Spotlight, former Arizona Daily Star employee
Matt Gentry: Morning host of 101.7 The Drive
Quote: "We play timeless varieties. So everything from 60s, 70s, and 80s."
Tom Fairbanks: Engineer and producer of the Buckmaster Show
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