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Big Chino Water Project Bus Tour Re-cap
Monday, September 28, 2009
Prescott Transit Authority bus took 30 citizens on tour
The Town of PV's John Munderloh provided commentary
Sullivan Dam, Chino Valley
From a Protect Our Water Resources Press Release
PRESCOTT, AZ (September 22, 2009) — Approximately 30 interested residents spent the morning exploring and learning about the Big Chino Water Ranch Project on Tuesday, Sept. 22. They met early that morning and took the tour in the comfort of a Prescott Transit Authority bus. The trip gave residents an opportunity to learn about the proposed water pipeline project and see the remote and expansive property where the project will be located.
The bus made several stops along the way, including one at the Sullivan Dam, traditionally considered the start of the Verde River, in Chino Valley. Prescott Valley Water Resource Manager John Munderloh explained that area residents built the dam in the mid-1930s to create hunting and fishing facility. By the end of World War II, the newly formed Sullivan Lake had largely filled with silt.
After a lengthy discussion at the dam, people climbed back onto the bus and continued to ask questions. Munderloh pointed out the Dugan well site, which is located only a few miles from Sullivan Dam. The City of Prescott purchased this well and the surrounding property as a potential water source for the pipeline project. Munderloh went on to say that pump tests showed that the Dugan well could produce nearly 5,000 gallons of water every minute, with almost no draw down on the aquifer.
The City of Prescott's Big Chino Water Project manager, Jim Holt agreed with Munderloh that the tour was a success. The participants asked insightful and important questions about the relationship between the project and the environment, the area�s water resources and funding opportunities for the project. The level of interest likely will result in another tour in the near future.