Protecting Arizona’s Lifeline: The Colorado River

The Colorado River supplies water for millions of Arizonans, supports our economy, tribal communities, local businesses, agriculture, and even keeps our military bases running. Today, that vital resource faces significant pressure from a historic drought and demand that exceeds the water available, creating much uncertainty about its future.

The truth is that Arizona is no stranger to water challenges in our desert climate. For decades, our communities have prepared by investing in diverse water supplies, infrastructure, water reuse, technology, and strong conservation programs. Although the Colorado River faces serious threats, Arizona and our neighbors in California and Nevada are collaborating to protect its long-term health and prepare for a future with less water.

Across Arizona, mayors are stepping forward  to emphasize both the importance of the Colorado River and the proactive measures their cities are implementing to become more water-efficient. The message of this coalition is clear - safeguarding our water future requires ongoing investment, innovation, and teamwork. They also recognize the risks. If Colorado River supplies are sharply reduced, every aspect of life in Arizona would be affected — our quality of life, our economy, and opportunities for future generations. That’s why communities here are dedicated to finding lasting, science-based solutions alongside our Lower Basin partners in California and Nevada.

If you live in Arizona, the Colorado River  impacts your daily life. Nearly 80% of the state’s population relies on water delivered from the river through the Central Arizona Project (CAP) — a 336-mile canal that brings river water to Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties. This resource is vital to the water security that major cities provide to their residents, as well as to the businesses and high-tech industries that are critical to the Arizona and national economies. CAP also delivers Colorado River water to the Gila River Indian Community and other tribes for agriculture, cultural and spiritual activities, and economic development. The Colorado River allows farmers in the Yuma area to grow winter greens for the world, along with producing other crops twice a year. The river is also a vital resource for the Colorado River Indian Tribes and other communities along Arizona’s western border. In other words, the Colorado River belongs to all of us, and it will take all of us to protect it.

Arizona can take pride in its water stewardship efforts. Despite a rapid rise in population, our state's total water consumption today is lower than it was in the 1950s. Cities have reduced their per-person water usage, and every new development in Central and Southern Arizona must demonstrate a 100-year water supply. This smart planning demonstrates that Arizonans appreciate the value of water and know how to conserve it.

Protecting Arizona’s vital resource is about more than just today — it’s about the future. Together, we can ensure the Colorado River continues to be the lifeline that supports our communities for generations because any substantial reduction or reallocation of Colorado River water would have serious negative effects on our overall quality of life and economy.

The Coalition for Protecting Arizona’s Lifeline was announced at last week’s annual Arizona League of Cities and Towns conference, with more than 20 mayors already signing up to join this new partnership. To learn more about the Coalition and sign up for updates, visit: www.ProtectingArizonasLifeline.com .

For 56 years, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association has worked to protect our member cities' ability to provide assured, safe, and sustainable water supplies to their communities. For more water information, visit www.amwua.org .