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Arizona Department of Water Resources

The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead
Apr 1, 2018

Council concludes Ducey’s water proposal is likely unconstitutional

The conclusion of Ken Behringer, counsel for the Arizona Legislative Council, will further complicate Gov. Doug Ducey’s efforts to pass a plan that aims to prevent levels in Lake Mead from falling below thresholds that would trigger catastrophic reductions in Arizona’s water allocation.

Mar 12, 2018

The work ahead for Arizona’s water future

Reaching a lasting accord on these challenges is not done by one group working the process alone, but by all of us working together to eliminate uncertainty and strengthen our state’s negotiating posture as we prepare to meet the demands of growth.

(Photo by Ellen O'Brien)
Oct 3, 2017

In the end, Arizona must speak with one voice

Coming to agreement on how best to marshal the state’s water resources and to create sustainability for future Arizonans is among the toughest challenges that leaders in our region can take on. Arizona has chosen to act now. We are opting to improve on the work of previous generations of state leaders to ensure that the word “crisis” remains banished from Arizona’s water lexicon.

Horseshoe Bend near Page is a scenic point of the Colorado River, which is a major source of water for Arizona. (Photo courtesy of Central Arizona Project)
Oct 3, 2017

Water conservation efforts avert shortage – for now

In the 24-month report released by the United States Bureau of Reclamation in 2016, the bureau predicted a more than 50 percent chance of a water shortage in 2018. This August, the Bureau of Reclamation report reduced that projection to zero.

Apr 17, 2017

Terry Goddard accuses ADWR of ‘sneak attack’ blindsiding CAP

Former Attorney General Terry Goddard accused attorneys for Arizona’s water department of ethical lapses and of blindsiding the Central Arizona Project over their filing of a legal brief in an employment lawsuit involving the water district.

Lingering drought and demand from growing cities have lowered water levels on Lake Mead behind Hoover Dam. The U.S. Interior Department could declare a shortage on the Colorado River as early as 2017. (U.S. Geological Survey Photo)
Mar 27, 2017

Gila River Indian Community signs deal to allow Phoenix to store water on tribal land

The latest agreement will allow the City of Phoenix to store water in underground storage facilities on Gila River Indian Community land in exchange for supporting the revitalization of the Gila River through various diversion projects.

Mar 22, 2017

ADWR says Central Arizona Project is overstating its role in water issues

An employment lawsuit is pitting two of the state’s largest actors on water issues against each other, and some say its outcome could complicate Arizona’s efforts to manage its water and prepare for drought.

Nov 18, 2015

Drought not the only reason for declining Lake Mead water levels

In our interactions with customers, stakeholders and the general public, Central Arizona Project representatives have noted that most people think the long-term drought is the reason for the declining water levels in Lake Mead. They're only partly right.

Greg Stanton, a former member of the Phoenix City Council, celebrates as election returns come in. (Cronkite News Service Photo by Joanne Ingram)
Jun 24, 2015

Stanton touts city’s successes, warns of need to fight for water rights

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton told a Washington panel Tuesday that Arizona is in a fight to make sure other states, particularly California, don’t take water “that rightfully belongs to the people of Arizona.”

Jun 8, 2015

Arizona water outlook not as dire as neighboring California

Gripped by a prolonged drought, Arizona faces possible cuts to its main water supply in the next 18 months. Residents, however, face none of the restrictions that neighboring California has imposed this year.

Hikers make their way along the banks of the Colorado River in Black Canyon south of Hoover Dam, Sunday, April 14, 2013, near Willow Beach, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Jun 3, 2015

Arizona hopes for more control of its water as drought deepens in West

Arizona wants more control of its water resources as the ongoing drought in Western states brings the likelihood of further shortages to the region, a state official testified Tuesday.

Feb 17, 2015

Colorado River shortage could increase prices, will hit agriculture hard

Water experts expect Colorado River shortages to kick in within the next two years, which could lead to price increases for customers and big impacts on agriculture.

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