Funding for Water Conservation Initiatives in Verde River
The company is currently on track to distribute $230,000 in funding for a water conservation project through its River Friendly Living Grant program aimed at residents and organizations in the Verde River area.
Grants from the organization are capped at $10,000, while the Housing Grant Awards have seen an increase this year, now reaching up to $5,000. The area’s basin encompasses tributaries like Oak Creek, Schicamo Creek, Wet Beaver Creek, and West Clear Creek.
“With the growing population in Verde Valley, we can manage it,” stated W. David Gressly, executive director of Friends of the Verde River. “It’s essential to adopt these water-saving strategies that allow for our continued growth, and we aim for sustainable development across the Verde Valley. We’re committed to ongoing support for these grants and looking to broaden our reach.”
The grants present an opportunity for businesses and residents to enhance their water conservation systems. This can include rainwater harvesting, installing devices to prevent overflow, and refining irrigation practices to conserve excess water and maintain the quality of water in the Verde River.
Funding for the grant initiative comes from local business sponsorships, sustained partnerships with the Salt River Project, and resources from the Arizona Water Infrastructure Finance Authority. A press release from the organization notes that these partners share a dedication to the well-being of the Verde River. The contributions from SRP specifically focus on enhancing water efficiency as part of their mission to save 5 billion gallons of water by 2035 through this collaboration.
The grant program has been in place since 2014, initially funded by advisory services provided to private companies regarding river-conscious development, which generated around $10,000 annually for community grants. More recent funding from SRP and WIFA has increased available resources, leading to estimated water savings of 122.2 million gallons since 2021.
This year, they’ve secured another grant from WIFA to cover areas in Clarkdale and Prescott, according to Gressly. “It’s vital to dive deeper into the current situation,” he mentioned.
The specific funding amounts for the project may vary depending on the locations within the basin, encouraging all residents and organizations in Sedona and Verde Valley to apply.
Highlighted recent grant awards include the Les Springs Homeowners Association in West Sedona, which received $5,000 to locate leaks leading to savings of over 200,000 gallons of water in May 2024, and Rainbow Acres in Camp Verde, which also received $5,000 for similar improvements.
“People often don’t realize that 25% of the water in the Phoenix metropolitan area originates from the Verde,” Gressly noted. “Over the past decade, we’ve rehabilitated about 12,000 acres of riverbank habitat, eradicating invasive species that threaten this important ecosystem,” he explained, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to maintaining the basin’s natural beauty for future generations.
Gressly also anticipates the release of the 2025 Verde Watershed Report Card later this year. “This will provide us with an update compared to the 2020 report,” he mentioned. “So, it’s something to look forward to—it should shed light on various trends in the basin.”
“Alongside these grants, we’re engaging with businesses, particularly on their projects, to identify ways to maximize water savings,” Gressly said. “We’ve had positive outcomes around Camp Verde, including efforts with our Sycamore apartments and the Best Western. For instance, Sedona’s Arroyo Roble hotel has incorporated water-saving measures into their renovation plans.”
To be eligible for funding, participants must join the River Friendly Living Program, which starts with completing either the River Friendly Home Checklist or a Business Survey. This participation involves actions like water conservation, invasive species removal, and supporting conservation efforts through donations and volunteer work.
Applications for this grant cycle are due by Sunday, August 31st, with subsequent cycles closing on Friday, October 31st, and Tuesday, March 31st. For further information, please refer to verderiver.org/grants.
