Water Research Publications (Kyl) | Morrison Institute for Public Policy

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.

	Enduring Solutions on the Colorado River Report \| August 2024 This report explores the tradeoffs between "Assigned Water" strategies, offering short-term flexibility, and permanent "System Water" reductions, which are essential for the Colorado River Basin's long-term sustainability, cautioning that while… Read the report
	Groundwater Protection in the Valley of the Sun Report \| March 2024 "Groundwater Protection in the Valley of the Sun" explores the critical turning point facing Greater Phoenix due to mounting pressures on its groundwater supply, despite its history of responsible use under the 1980 Groundwater Management Act,… Read the report
	The Price of Uncertainty Report \| October 2023 "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… Read the report
	Impacts of Colorado River Shortage to Tap Water Deliveries in Central Arizona Explainer \| July 2023 This primer explains the tangible impacts of reduced Colorado River water on Central Arizona's tap water supply, helping residents understand the tradeoffs and make informed choices as the state navigates critical decisions about the river's… Read the explainer
	Untangling Housing Affordability & Groundwater Regulation Explainer \| July 2023 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… Read the explainer
	The Elusive Concept of an Assured Water Supply Report \| July 2023 This report examines how Arizona's 100-year assured water supply requirement, particularly through the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD), has shaped urban growth and water policy over the past 25 years, outlining reforms… Read the report
	Northern Arizona Water Affordability Study Report \| June 2023 This report examines the significant water affordability challenges faced by tribal and rural communities in Northern Arizona, offering insights to support informed planning and solutions for long-term access to safe, reliable, and affordable… Read the report
	Water Rights and Water Use of Coal Facilities in the Colorado River Basin Report \| August 2022 A groundbreaking report from ASU's Just Energy Transition Center and the Kyl Center for Water Policy inventories the water footprint of coal-fired power plants and mines across the Colorado River Basin, providing crucial data for future energy… Read the report
	Ten Tenets of Water Accessibility Report \| August 2022 Growing attention on water equity is highlighting the need to address disparities and build a more inclusive water future, ensuring all communities have fair, reliable access to safe, clean water. Read the report
	What does the Colorado River shortage mean for ... water conservation? Explainer \| June 2021 Examining the Colorado River shortage and what it means for water conservation, residential water users, groundwater pumping, utility costs, urban growth, new water supplies, and water rights. Read the explainer

	Enduring Solutions on the Colorado River Report \| August 2024 This report explores the tradeoffs between "Assigned Water" strategies, offering short-term flexibility, and permanent "System Water" reductions, which are essential for the Colorado River Basin's long-term sustainability, cautioning that while… Read the report
	Groundwater Protection in the Valley of the Sun Report \| March 2024 "Groundwater Protection in the Valley of the Sun" explores the critical turning point facing Greater Phoenix due to mounting pressures on its groundwater supply, despite its history of responsible use under the 1980 Groundwater Management Act,… Read the report
	The Price of Uncertainty Report \| October 2023 "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… Read the report
	Impacts of Colorado River Shortage to Tap Water Deliveries in Central Arizona Explainer \| July 2023 This primer explains the tangible impacts of reduced Colorado River water on Central Arizona's tap water supply, helping residents understand the tradeoffs and make informed choices as the state navigates critical decisions about the river's… Read the explainer
	Untangling Housing Affordability & Groundwater Regulation Explainer \| July 2023 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… Read the explainer
	The Elusive Concept of an Assured Water Supply Report \| July 2023 This report examines how Arizona's 100-year assured water supply requirement, particularly through the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD), has shaped urban growth and water policy over the past 25 years, outlining reforms… Read the report
	Northern Arizona Water Affordability Study Report \| June 2023 This report examines the significant water affordability challenges faced by tribal and rural communities in Northern Arizona, offering insights to support informed planning and solutions for long-term access to safe, reliable, and affordable… Read the report
	Water Rights and Water Use of Coal Facilities in the Colorado River Basin Report \| August 2022 A groundbreaking report from ASU's Just Energy Transition Center and the Kyl Center for Water Policy inventories the water footprint of coal-fired power plants and mines across the Colorado River Basin, providing crucial data for future energy… Read the report
	Ten Tenets of Water Accessibility Report \| August 2022 Growing attention on water equity is highlighting the need to address disparities and build a more inclusive water future, ensuring all communities have fair, reliable access to safe, clean water. Read the report
	What does the Colorado River shortage mean for ... water conservation? Explainer \| June 2021 Examining the Colorado River shortage and what it means for water conservation, residential water users, groundwater pumping, utility costs, urban growth, new water supplies, and water rights. Read the explainer

Water Research Publications

Browse the full collection below or use the search tool to quickly find the topics most relevant to you.

Enduring Solutions on the Colorado River

Groundwater Protection in the Valley of the Sun

The Price of Uncertainty

Impacts of Colorado River Shortage to Tap Water Deliveries in Central Arizona

Untangling Housing Affordability & Groundwater Regulation

The Elusive Concept of an Assured Water Supply

Northern Arizona Water Affordability Study

Water Rights and Water Use of Coal Facilities in the Colorado River Basin

Ten Tenets of Water Accessibility

What does the Colorado River shortage mean for ... water conservation?