Arizona's new groundwater restrictions, designed to safeguard water for the future, are impacting housing costs and availability in Greater Phoenix amidst an existing affordability crisis. This explainer examines solutions for local governments to find a balance.

"The Price of Uncertainty" explores how the ongoing Gila Adjudication creates ambiguity around water rights, posing challenges for businesses, communities, and responsible water planning across Arizona, as decision-makers increasingly prioritize water availability, reliability, and long-term sustainability when evaluating investment sites.

In this explainer we delve into the key aspects of the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Agreement, a landmark accord resolving the Nation's longstanding water rights claims in the Verde River watershed.

This analysis provides context on Arizona's 1995 surface water law amendments and their lasting impact on water adjudication, following years of legal battles that culminated in a Supreme Court ruling deeming most unconstitutional, as lawmakers revisited these rights in 2020.

From power and semiconductors to turf, beverages, and data centers, our new report offers a data‑driven look at how major industries use water in Central Arizona—and what those patterns mean for long‑term sustainability and planning.

Report | February 2026

Access to safe, reliable water is the foundation of public health, economic opportunity and quality of life, and affordability is a key aspect of water accessibility. But most community water systems in Arizona depend on revenue from rate-payers to cover operations and infrastructure costs.

What are the implications for Colorado River water users in Arizona if the 2007 operating guidelines expire without a new operating plan in place? Read our newest explainer to find out.

Ten municipal water providers in Arizona have adopted regulations to limit demand from new large-volume water users. This report explores the pros, cons and complexities of such ordinances and summarizes the differing approaches water providers are taking to address large-volume water users.

This updated publication outlines a landmark water rights settlement involving the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. The agreement addresses claims to the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers and groundwater across northeastern Arizona, while establishing a reservation for the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and authorizing over $5 billion in water infrastructure funding.