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ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ needs new sources of water in the worst way. If we’re not careful, that’s how we’ll get them.

Meaning with exorbitant costs, irreparable environmental harm and political, social and economic consequences affecting everyone. The first disturbing sign has come: State government may be at the fore of making water development deals with little transparency.

It behooves ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ns to pay attention to the work of a previously obscure state agency, the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority. It is charged with finding new water supplies, which most likely will come from outside the state.

Undoubtedly, they will cost more, and that is why we must be vigilant in making certain we get our money’s worth and ensure the agency serves residents rather than businesses seeking to profit from water.

Projections are that ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ will need up to 500,000 acre-feet more water — that’s 162.5 billion gallons — in the next five to 15 years, the ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Daily Star reported on Aug. 24, citing water authority documents. For perspective, Tucson Water delivers about 30 billion gallons annually.

The Colorado River, which has historically provided a little more than one-third of ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥â€™s supply, is being reduced because of overuse, drought and climate change. Supplies to ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ farmers have been cut, and cuts may come sooner rather than later for Tucson and Phoenix.

To find new sources, the water authority is considering a half-dozen proposals. Just to get companies to develop them, with no actual delivery of more water, could cost taxpayers $375 million, which the Legislature has appropriated.

Little is known about the proposals beyond company names and skimpy details. Two companies propose desalination plants with pipelines to bring fresh water to ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ from Mexico or California. One company proposes a desalination plant and pipeline, wastewater treatment, securing more surface water and an unspecified idea.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ns would be wise to focus on several questions as the water authority’s staff works through the proposals and recommends awarding contracts. That is when, and not sooner, details will be made public; let us hope it is not too late.

• How much will new water sources cost? Here’s a rough idea: IDE Technologies of Israel suggested in 2022 a $5 billion desalination plant on the Sea of Cortez and a 200-mile pipeline to Phoenix, plus operating costs. Investors would expect a decent return, driving up water rates. IDE is affiliated with one of the companies making a current desalination proposal.
• What will brine — salt-heavy water — from the desalination process do to the Sea of Cortez? It’s already at the high end of average salinity, more so in the north, where desalination would occur, several sources reported. Also speaking environmentally, how will building and maintaining a pipeline from a distant plant to Phoenix damage the desert?
• Should the governor and the Legislature adopt strict limits on business nondisclosure agreements? We know too little about projects that likely will cost us billions. Transparency is a must, as Tucsonans learned with this summer’s Project Blue fiasco and NDAs.

We need to keep a watchful eye on the water authority. Its eight voting members – one spot is vacant – represent politics, government, business and the state water agency but not average ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ns. We must have a say in how new water sources are paid for and how we will benefit.

The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority’s next board meeting will be Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. at the authority’s Phoenix office and online via Zoom. The agenda, including Zoom link, is posted at least 24 hours in advance, at .