Arizona’s Water Position: The Next Century Starts Now

“As Maricopa County’s population of 4.7 million continues to grow, we’re committed to ensuring critical water infrastructure keeps pace with new development. The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department is modernizing standards and streamlining review processes to support innovative solutions while ensuring safe, reliable drinking water. Together we can support responsible development, protect public health, and help providers meet our region’s long-term water needs.” — Chair Kate Brophy McGee, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 3; Supervisor Thomas Galvin, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 2

“Water is one of our community’s most valuable resources, and Apache Junction has positioned itself to stay ahead of the changing water landscape through decades of conservation, responsible planning, long-term water supply strategies, and a diversified water portfolio, including groundwater resources, water purification, and reuse initiatives. The future of water is not just about having more supply—it’s about making the most of the water we have, protecting our resources, and ensuring a reliable water future for generations to come.” — Mayor Chip Wilson

“Water is essential to Avondale’s future, and we are planning for the next 100 years. We have built a diverse water portfolio and are committed to conservation, efficiency, and reuse. Avondale recycles nearly all of the water that goes down our drains, recharging it back into the aquifer for future use. As our community grows, we must continue to “use water wisely,” invest in infrastructure, and pursue innovative solutions that ensure a reliable, sustainable water supply for generations to come.” — Mayor Mike Pineda

“In Buckeye, making every drop count means planning for tomorrow while using water wisely today. We’re investing in long-term water supplies, replenishing our aquifer and expanding conservation programs that help our residents and businesses reduce water use. As one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities, we know responsible growth and responsible water management must go hand in hand. Our goal is to build a diverse, resilient water portfolio that will serve Buckeye for generations to come.” — Mayor Eric Orsborn

“Water conservation is critical to Casa Grande’s future. Protecting our water resources helps safeguard our economy, support responsible growth, sustain agriculture and industry, and ensure reliable water supplies for future generations. With more than 80% of Arizonans depending on the Colorado River, we all have a role to play. In Casa Grande, we’re reducing outdoor water use, expanding drought-tolerant landscaping, and increasing the use of reclaimed water. Conserving water today strengthens our community and protects Arizona’s water future.” — Mayor Lisa Fitzgibbons

“In a desert, water reuse isn’t optional, it’s essential. Chandler treats and reuses 100 percent of the water that comes through our wastewater system for irrigation, industry and aquifer recharge. That kind of forward-thinking infrastructure is what allows companies to invest here with confidence, no matter what happens on the Colorado River.” — Mayor Kevin Hartke

“The City of El Mirage remains fully committed to providing a dependable water future for our residents while preparing for changing conditions. Through modernized infrastructure, proactive long-range planning, careful stewardship of our water resources, and collaboration with our regional partners, El Mirage will continue to provide a stable, dependable, and resilient water supply for our residents well into the future.” — Mayor Alexis Hermosillo

“We take our water resources very seriously in Fountain Hills. Recently, we transformed approximately 27,000 square feet of irrigated grass lawn at a busy intersection into natural desert landscaping. This includes the inclusion of drought-resistant trees and xeriscape techniques, along with a more efficient drip irrigation system. This project saves nearly two million gallons of water annually! Additionally, our World-Famous Fountain utilizes reclaimed water, with that water also aiding local parks and golf courses.” — Mayor Gerry M. Friedel

“Gilbert believes in using water more than once. For over 40 years, we’ve operated a reclaimed water system that captures, treats, and reuses water for landscape irrigation and replenishing the aquifer through recharge. Our approach is simple: plan ahead, use wisely, waste nothing. Projects like reconstructing the North Water Treatment Plant and adding eight new wells will expand Gilbert’s ability to use renewable water from the Salt and Verde Rivers and access previously stored water, ensuring reliable service for our community.” — Mayor Scott Anderson

“Glendale’s water security didn’t happen by accident. For decades, community leadership has planned ahead by diversifying its water supply, investing in treatment and delivery systems, and conserving valuable resources. Glendale will keep growing responsibly, protecting its water supply, and making the community a place where families want to live and businesses want to invest.” — Mayor Jerry Weiers

“Goodyear is a water-efficient community that is committed to being thoughtful and proactive. We’re investing in conservation, maximizing the beneficial reuse of reclaimed water and exploring innovative ways to strengthen our diverse water portfolio. By planning ahead and using our resources responsibly today, we’re building a resilient water future that supports our residents, businesses and Goodyear’s continued growth for generations to come.” — Mayor Joe Pizzillo

“While Colorado River shortages dominate headlines, Maricopa’s water story is different. Our community relies primarily on groundwater and recharge—not Colorado River water. Maricopa has a state-designated 100-year assured water supply, demonstrating sufficient water for projected development for the next century. Even more telling: today, Maricopa uses only about half of its available water allotment. For developers and businesses looking to Arizona, the message is clear: Maricopa has the water, capacity and confidence to grow. We’re open for business.” — Mayor Nancy Smith

“Making every drop count means planning for the future, and Mesa has been doing that work for years. For the past several years, I have supported the Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline because water reuse is an important part of securing Mesa’s long-term water supply. By putting water we already have to work again, we can stretch our resources, strengthen our water system and make responsible investments today that will benefit Mesa families and businesses for generations to come.” — Mayor Mark Freeman

“Peoria has made significant, long-term investments in our water infrastructure because we recognize that water security is fundamental to the continued growth and prosperity of our community. Through our Capital Improvement Program and investments in reclaimed water infrastructure, we are strengthening the resilience of our system, increasing efficiency, and preparing for the challenges that may lie ahead. While there continues to be uncertainty surrounding the Colorado River, Peoria is taking a proactive approach to ensure we are well positioned to meet the needs of our residents and businesses for generations to come.” — Mayor Jason Beck

“Phoenix is proving that a desert city can lead in sustainability and innovation, and we’ve built a dynamic economy that prioritizes making the most of every drop. Decades of planning and investment in infrastructure and conservation have prepared us for times of shortage, and we’ve developed a strong, flexible supply. We all benefit from the careful management of those who came before us, and we’ll continue to raise the bar for the benefit of residents today and in future generations.” — Mayor Kate Gallego

“The water challenges of tomorrow will require us to think differently than we have in the past. For Scottsdale, that means embracing innovation, investing in efficiency and reuse, and being willing to explore every opportunity to strengthen our water future. We have an obligation not only to meet the needs of our community today, but to make thoughtful, forward-looking decisions that ensure Scottsdale remains resilient and prosperous for generations to come.” — Mayor Lisa Borowsky

“Surprise’s water future is about staying ahead of growth and keeping our water supply and demand calibrated. That requires us to be creative, use water efficiently, expand reuse, and continue pursuing new water opportunities. As Surprise grows, our commitment remains the same – to provide safe, reliable and affordable water service while ensuring we have the resources and infrastructure needed to support our community well into the future.” — Mayor Kevin Sartor

“Through careful planning and investment in water infrastructure and diverse water resources, Tempe has water to meet its current and future needs. Regardless, Tempe recognizes that water is a precious natural resource to be used wisely, which means we must continue to plan and prepare for water resiliency for generations to come. We encourage all community members to do their part by using water wisely.” — Mayor Corey Woods

“In Tolleson, making every drop count is already part of how we manage water. Approximately 90% of the treated effluent from our wastewater treatment plant is sent to Palo Verde, where it is reused for cooling rather than relying on groundwater. That partnership demonstrates how water reuse can serve needs beyond our city limits while preserving precious water resources. We are proud to contribute to a more sustainable water future for our community and Arizona.” — Mayor Juan F. Rodriguez

“By investing in smart technology, the Town of Wickenburg is making every drop count and giving community members tools to protect our water resource. Wickenburg now has digitally connected water meters that are able to send data to an app, providing residents real time insight into their water use and sending automatic leak detection alerts when unusual activity occurs. The app is free and available to all water customers, offering easy to use tools that support conservation and help residents prevent small issues from becoming costly problems.” — Mayor BG Bratcher