Water Research Publications
The Kyl Center for Water Policy at Morrison Institute maintains an extensive library of publications designed to help policymakers, community leaders and the public navigate Arizona’s most pressing water challenges. Our work includes in‑depth research reports, concise explainers and timely analyses on issues such as Colorado River management, groundwater sustainability, tribal water rights, affordability, and emerging water‑use trends in key industries.
Browse the full collection below or use the search tool to quickly find the topics most relevant to you.
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From Copper, Cattle and Cotton to Chips and Cloud Computing: Large Water Uses in Central ArizonaReport | February 2026 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. |
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Considerations for Assigned Water after Expiration of the 2007 GuidelinesReport | January 2026 This report continues our multi‑year examination of Assigned Water (Intentionally Created Surplus) and its role in managing the Colorado River. Building on earlier analyses in both the Upper and Lower Basins, this paper — … |
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The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement AgreementExplainer | November 2025 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… |
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How Arizona Municipal Water Providers Are Regulating Large-Volume Water UsersExplainer | September 2025 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… |
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Arizona Guide to the Expiration of the 2007 Operation Guidelines for Lakes Powell and MeadExplainer | August 2025 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. |
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More Elusive Than Ever: Arizona’s Assured Water Supply Protections Under Colorado River Shortages and Groundwater ScarcityReport | May 2025 Arizona's groundwater safeguard, requiring a 100-year assured water supply for subdivisions, is faltering as shrinking Colorado River allocations strain the replenishment system developers rely on, highlighting an urgent need for reform. |
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Floating Pools & Grand BargainsReport | April 2025 Our new report introduces "Floating Pools," a bold concept for reserved water storage on the Colorado River designed to reduce conflict and avoid litigation between Upper and Lower Basin states, laying the foundation for a durable post-2026… |
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Tap Water Affordability in ArizonaReport | February 2025 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… |
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The Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement AgreementExplainer | January 2025 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. |
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The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement AgreementExplainer | September 2024 We examine the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement, a historic resolution that aims to end over six decades of legal battles for water rights between the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and other stakeholders, pending… |