ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the process of urbanization in the southwestern cities of El Paso, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Tucson from their natural environments to their current metropolitan settings. In particular, the need for securing water for these growing cities is a fundamental concern to provide a sustainable future for growth and development. Much like a living organism, without adequate water, cities will not grow to their full potential. In summary, the chapter provides a snapshot of these urban centers in their founding, development, and efforts to balance growth, water security, and conservation. The regional settlements of the major southwestern cities were strategically located near major rivers in relatively flat, defensible landscapes. Las Vegas relies primarily on withdrawal of water from Lake Mead and pumping of groundwater to support the city. Early settlements in the allocation of Colorado River water left Nevada with a paltry sum of water in relation to the already developed neighboring states of California and Arizona.
