Snowmaking Scuffle: Reclaimed Water Issue

Steven Hemphill

September 23 2009
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With wildfires becoming more common in the late summers and predictions of droughts on the rise, the high demand for water has affected a wide variety of business including Snowbowl in Arizona. Snowbowl Resort is located 14 miles outside of Flagstaff and 2 hours from Phoenix. As the early season approaches, the resort is facing a legal battle over concerns of the use of reclaimed water for snow making. According to a article written by Cyndy Cole in the “Arizona Daily Sun”

A group has filed a new lawsuit today attempting to prevent snowmaking with reclaimed wastewater at Arizona Snowbowl.

Nine individuals and the group Save the Peaks Coalition are asking the U.S. District Court in Arizona to reconsider whether snow made from reclaimed water is safe for skiers or the surrounding environment. This question was taken up repeatedly by various courts as the case was argued to the U.S. Supreme Court.

With less fresh water available, Snowbowl’s use of reclaimed water seemed to be the most logical option considering the circumstances. As the issue at Snowbowl continues to unfold, expect to see more cases like this as water becomes increasingly scarce around the West.

For the entire article check out www.azdailysun.com or for info on Snowbowl check out www.arizonasnowbowl.com