Arizona will no longer grant certifications for new residential developments in Phoenix, it’s largest city, due to concerns over groundwater supply.
The announcement indicates that the Phoenix area, currently the nation’s fastest-growing region in terms of population growth, will not be able to sustain its rapid growth because of limited freshwater resources. The state’s new policy won’t impact developments that have already been approved, so the growth limit ramifications will not be felt in the short term.
Longer term, though, housing developers will have a high bar to overcome to get new projects approved. They will have to demonstrate that they can provide an “assured water supply” for 100 years using water from a source that is not local groundwater.
About 80,000 unbuilt lots for housing are already approved and can go forward. The state’s decision is not expected to reduce water use for industry and manufacturing. But it could be a warning sign that parched areas of the West face tough decisions over how much growth they can support in the years ahead.
Related Stories
Industrial Facilities | Apr 12, 2017
Energizing the neighborhood
The Denny Substation in Seattle is designed to give local residents a reason to visit.
Urban Planning | Apr 3, 2017
Capturing the waterfront draw
People seem to experience a gravitation toward the water’s edge acutely and we traverse concrete and asphalt just to gaze out over an open expanse or to dip our toes in the blue stuff.
Urban Planning | Mar 31, 2017
4 important things to consider when designing streets for people, not just cars
For the most part what you see is streets that have been designed with the car in mind—at a large scale for a fast speed.
Urban Planning | Mar 14, 2017
Denmark-based architecture firm gives China the world’s longest elevated bike path
The Xiamen Bicycle Skyway stretches for 7.6 kilometers throughout the central part of the city.
Urban Planning | Feb 9, 2017
Abandoned WWII-era military village to become 'commune for the 21st century'
The village in Heidelberg, Germany, which 16,000 Americans called home at one time, is being redesigned as a commune for up to 4,000 people.
Green | Feb 6, 2017
A to Z: Seoul’s elevated park features 24,000 alphabetized plants
The plants will represent 250 species found in South Korea.
Urban Planning | Jan 17, 2017
Using 'hidden data' to probe urban problems
The Center for Neighborhood Technology has been tackling poverty, housing, transportation, and environmental issues for four decades.
Architects | Nov 11, 2016
Six finalists selected for London’s Illuminated River competition
The competition is searching for the best design for lighting the bridges of central London.
Building Tech | Nov 9, 2016
Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 12 minutes: A hyperloop from Hyperloop One and BIG could make it possible
The pods can reach speeds of up to 1,100 kilometers per hour.
Urban Planning | Nov 4, 2016
Rail Park breaks ground in Philadelphia
The project is finally moving forward after nine years in the making.
