Securing Arizona’s Water: Public Calls for Action and Investment

Arizona’s success in the desert is no accident—it’s the result of decades of proactive planning and strategic investment in water security. While headlines often highlight drought and water shortages, Arizona’s future depends on ongoing planning and robust funding for water resources and infrastructure.

Water managers have known for a long time that Arizona must invest in new water sources to make up for less water from the Colorado River and to stay resilient. Now, voters agree. A recent poll found that 75% of Arizona voters want action on Colorado River water security, with strong bipartisan support for prioritizing water in the state budget. The poll, commissioned by Audubon Southwest and conducted by Cygnal, surveyed likely Arizona voters and found:

• 94% of likely voters want the legislature to prioritize water security this session.
• 69% of voters favor immediate state investment in water security, even if it means budget tradeoffs; only 21% put other priorities first.
• Support for state funding to address Colorado River supply challenges spans parties: 84% of Democrats, 77% of Independents, and 66% of Republicans are in favor.
• 90% of voters say legislative action on the Colorado River is important in the state budget, and 67% would view legislators more favorably for supporting such funding.

These results show that water security is a serious concern for Arizona families and businesses—it’s not just a policy issue. Reliable water supplies give everyone the confidence to invest and grow in our state. Strong water planning has helped Maricopa County’s diverse industries and cities generate $419 billion in GDP in 2025, or 73% of Arizona’s total, benefiting the entire state and nation.

As the Colorado River crisis grows and lawmakers discuss the budget, it is clear that voters support funding water security. Arizonans see investment as key to resilience. Securing our future means creating more renewable water supplies. This is a long-term commitment that will require significant investment:

• Stretching Current Supplies: AMWUA cities are actively engaged in raising the Bartlett Dam on the Verde River and expanding Advanced Water Purification technology.
• Long-Term Solutions: The Water Infrastructure Financing Authority of Arizona (WIFA) is evaluating seven large water import projects submitted by two teams, including potential desalination plants in Mexico or California.
• The Cost of Water Security: A single ocean-desalination plant could cost over $3 billion. With WIFA holding less than half a billion in dedicated funds, Arizona must face a tough truth: investing now is the only way to ensure our future viability.

Water security keeps Arizona’s communities and economy strong. Water security also means a commitment to ongoing necessary investments, which will be reflected in future water costs.  Without it, nothing is affordable. Major investments are needed, but they cannot fall solely on municipal water providers. The state needs to establish a dedicated revenue source to fund new water supplies. State lawmakers should work with local water utilities to address shrinking Colorado River supplies and limited groundwater. History shows investments in water resources and infrastructure always pay off.

Whether it is turning on the tap at home or supporting local farms and businesses, reliable water resources ensure the state can thrive. Making sure we have water security protects Arizona’s economy, environment, and quality of life. Everyone has a role in protecting Arizona’s water future. With strong leadership, careful planning, and steady investment, we can make sure families, businesses, and communities have the water they need for generations to come.

Arizona’s history shows that investing in water brings long-term benefits. With careful planning and a shared commitment, the state can continue to prosper even as we face a future with less Colorado River water.

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.