Arizona's Water Situation

The situation with respect to groundwater shortage and depletion is critical and growing worse in most sections of Arizona; . . .. As a general rule the present supply is inadequate to meet existing demand, resulting in severe overdrafts against the underground reservoirs. (Fourth Arizona Town Hall, 1964)

The goals set for the next 50 to 100 years should address the needs of sustainable development and preservation of water supplies for future generations of Arizonans. They should include achieving safe-yield in certain areas and looking beyond domestic, industrial and agricultural uses to the effect water use and allocation have on riparian areas, the nvironment and our overall quality of life. (Seventy- first Arizona Town Hall, 1997)

Arizona water managers, thus far protected from water shortage by legal rights that have guaranteed full delivery of the state’s share of the Colorado River despite dire drought conditions, are correct to raise the specter of water shortages in the future. (Robert Glennon and Jennifer Pitt, 2004)

Read the latest Arizona Town Hall report on the Water Situation in Arizona.