Recently, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) shared a reel highlighting the LABrary located in Wenden, bringing attention to a new community resource now available at the Centennial Public Library.
For residents of La Paz County, this small but powerful program could play an important role in how our community learns about, monitors, and protects our groundwater—especially as we prepare for the coming years under the Ranegras Plain Active Management Area (AMA).
What Is a LABrary?
The LABrary is part of the community science program created through the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative at Arizona State University.
A LABrary works much like a traditional library. Except, instead of borrowing books, community members can borrow scientific equipment used to explore and monitor local water systems.
This initiative is designed to make science accessible to everyone. You don’t need to be a scientist or hydrologist to participate.
The idea is simple:
Give communities the tools to learn about their own water.
What Equipment Can You Borrow?
The LABrary includes tools that help residents explore and measure water conditions in their area. Equipment available for checkout includes:
• Water quality meters to test water characteristics
• Groundwater level sensors to measure well depth and aquifer levels
• Microscopes for examining water samples
• Lab kits for simple water science experiments
• Additional STEM and environmental monitoring tools
Training is available for those who would like help learning how to use the equipment.
How the LABrary Works
Using the LABrary is straightforward:
- Locate the LABrary
In La Paz County, the LABrary is housed at the Centennial Public Library in Wenden. - Borrow equipment
Community members can check out tools much like checking out a book. - Collect local data
Residents can measure groundwater levels, test water quality, or conduct educational activities. - Learn and share
The information gathered can support community learning, local discussions about water, and educational efforts.
Organizations such as ADEQ and ASU can also help residents design monitoring projects if they want to collect data more systematically.
Why This Matters for La Paz County
Water is one of the most important, and most limited, resources in the desert.
Across La Paz County, many residents rely on private wells and groundwater aquifers for their water supply. Monitoring how these systems change over time can help communities better understand local conditions.
Programs like the LABrary allow residents to:
• Learn more about how aquifers work
• Monitor changes in water levels or water quality
• Participate in community science efforts
• Build knowledge that supports informed conversations about water management
Preparing for the Ranegras AMA
The establishment of the Ranegras Plain AMA means that over time, our region will begin developing management plans and monitoring groundwater use more closely.
While state agencies oversee the regulatory process, local knowledge and community awareness will be increasingly important.
Programs like the LABrary can help residents:
• Become familiar with basic groundwater monitoring tools
• Understand how aquifers respond to usage and recharge
• Participate in educational and data-collection activities
• Contribute to a broader understanding of local water conditions
This kind of community science helps build a shared understanding of the resource we all depend on.
A Resource for Learning and Engagement
One of the goals of the Water Alliance of La Paz County is to help residents access reliable information and resources about groundwater in our region. The Alliance focuses on education and community engagement around groundwater issues in the county.
The LABrary is a great example of the kind of hands-on educational resource that can help our community learn more about the water beneath our feet.
Interested in Trying the LABrary?
If you are curious about groundwater, interested in learning how monitoring works, or simply want to explore the science of water in the desert, the LABrary is available to the community.
Location:
Centennial Public Library
Wenden, Arizona
Community members can visit the library to learn more about the program and explore available equipment.
Looking Ahead
Over the next year, as La Paz County continues conversations about groundwater management and the Ranegras AMA, tools like the LABrary can help residents move from discussion to understanding.
The more we learn about our water, the better prepared we will be to protect it.