ABSTRACT
Wetlands are a scarce habitat type in Arizona. Some seasonal or yearlong wetlands occurred in higher elevation natural lakes. Appropriation of water for agricultural, industrial, and municipal uses has decreased wetland habitats, and increased water demands by Arizona’s growing population is expected to continue. However, a new factor, municipal wastewater used to create new wetlands in northeastern Arizona, may offset natural wetland losses. Show Low recently expanded its wastewater facilities with a new 20-ha marsh on National Forest System lands 5 km west of Pintail Lake. The addition includes effluent storage in winter, with a riparian growth area and forage enhancement for wildlife and livestock. Pinetop and Lakeside developments recently constructed include a 16-ha storage facility, flexible water distribution and marsh water level control, and an overland irrigation area for elk forage. Evaluation must continue to improve management and develop early warning methods for any adverse impacts, but marshes from wastewater effluents have much potential.
