From Copper, Cattle and Cotton to Chips and Cloud Computing

Report | February 2026

Explaining where major sectors get their water, how they use it, and how policies like the Assured Water Supply (AWS) program shape long‑term planning, this report examines Central Arizona’s largest non‑agricultural water users—from power plants and semiconductor fabs to turf facilities, beverage producers, and data centers. It offers context on Arizona’s evolving economy, clarifies misconceptions about high‑tech water demand, and highlights key considerations for sustainable growth in a water‑scarce region.