Secure Water Relies on Secure Funding

Nothing is affordable without reliable water. House Bill 4030 and House Concurrent Resolution 2052 would hamstring cities and towns from providing water security to their communities by cutting off financial support from their customers. This is especially dangerous when the ten AMWUA cities and other water providers are facing uncertain but significant cuts to their Colorado River water as early as January next year. Arizona’s water future is on the line, and we cannot afford to risk taking away the tools necessary to protect our resilient communities.

Our neighborhoods and economy thrive here in the desert because they are built on the water security provided by the AMWUA cities and other municipal water providers. Providing water whenever you turn on the tap does not just happen – it is the result of the community’s residents and businesses continually investing in water supplies and infrastructure. Every community has different needs and challenges, and the decision to provide that vital service at a reasonable cost should remain in the hands of councils who are elected by the residents of that community, not the legislature.   

Public water systems require continual maintenance and improvements to ensure the long-term resiliency of a community. Costs are impacted by a variety of factors, from new regulatory requirements to inflation affecting pipes, labor, and the chemicals necessary to treat water.   Each municipal water provider works hard to keep rates low, but they also must ensure water is always available at your tap. That can only be achieved through continual investment.  

By cutting off funding now to water systems throughout Arizona, House Bill 4030 and House Concurrent Resolution 2052 place Arizonans’ water security at risk. The legislature’s attempt to remove water providers’ ability to plan for an uncertain future of the Colorado River makes life even less affordable in the long run.  

Replacing Colorado River water with new supplies will cost more and require bigger investments that need to be pursued now, not later. As history shows, investing in our water resiliency always brings long-term benefits to our communities.

State lawmakers should support municipal water providers, not undermine the tools needed to keep our communities and economy strong. Please contact your legislator and ask them to vote NO on House Bill 4030 and House Concurrent Resolution 2052.

For 57 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 – Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. For more information on water, visit www.amwua.org.