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Santa Cruz River Flows - Walking Through Effluent Waters

Our River Run Network Program Manager (Lauren Monheim) took 11 River Run Network Members throught a flowing part of the Santa Cruz River on Saturday, July 16th, 2022.

Though none of the attendees had been in the area before, there was no hesitation for the group - they all got their feet wet! It was an inspiring way to spend a Saturday morning, discussing the Flow365 Monitoring Program, talking about effluent (treated waste water) flow and exploring the creek! The water reached thigh high before we stopped in a shady spot to chat and then turn around. We even say large fish swimming through our feet!

Effluent flow is an important part of our river systems here in Tucson - most of the Santa Cruz River would not be flowing without the input of water from the waste water treatment plants such as Tres Rios Water Reclimation Facility. This water has allowed our creeks and rivers to come alive again - we are seeing fish, birds, and insect populations return just to name a few.

This water also gives us as humans an opportunity to enjoy our creeks and rivers, creating an important connection to nature and our environment just by seeing and enjoying the sound of flowing water.

We hope you join us on our next creek walk! To be the first to hear about our upcoming events like this one, join our River Run Network!