Key facts
- Water scarcity is now the top concern for Arizona voters, according to a Center for the Future of Arizona survey.
- Arizona faces deep federal cuts in its Colorado River water supply, with potential for further reductions.
- Governor Katie Hobbs claims she secured Arizona's fair share of the Colorado River and protected groundwater.
- Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs proposes a $19 billion plan for water infrastructure and a Yuma desalination plant.
- US House candidates are debating water conservation, desalination, and the state's Colorado River allocation.
Water scarcity has emerged as the dominant issue in Arizona's political landscape, influencing key US House races and the gubernatorial contest. Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, is campaigning on her efforts to secure the state's water supply, particularly its share of the drought-stricken Colorado River, under the slogan "Arizona’s water is for Arizonans."
Conversely, Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs criticizes Hobbs's approach, accusing her of creating a "panic narrative" that he claims is costing the state jobs and investment. Biggs has proposed a $19 billion plan for water infrastructure and a Yuma desalination plant.
The heightened focus on water follows deep federal cuts to Arizona's Colorado River allocation in August. A survey by the Center for the Future of Arizona revealed that for the first time, long-term water supplies have become the top concern for voters, surpassing issues like immigration and affordability. This marks a significant shift from previous years when water ranked lower in voter priorities.
Experts note the unprecedented nature of water being a central campaign theme. Sybil Francis, head of the Center for the Future of Arizona, stated that candidates for governor have not historically focused on water issues to this extent. The state, which has seen its population nearly triple since 1980, relied on abundant Colorado River water and banked billions of gallons underground for emergencies. However, a 27% cut in its water supply this year has brought the reality of scarcity to the forefront.
Water managers warn that reductions could nearly double after 2028 if the drought intensifies, potentially depleting the Central Arizona Project canal. This situation is prompting discussions about investments in new water supplies, potential rate hikes for consumers, and increased conservation efforts, according to Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University.
Residents express deep concern, with a significant majority believing the state's water systems cannot reliably support future growth and extreme heat. Some, like IT sales professional Matt Beidler, are considering moving out of state due to the bleak outlook for the desert climate. Others, like healthcare worker Elizabeth Ramirez, are looking to candidates like Biggs for solutions such as desalination.
In competitive US House districts, water security is also a key campaign plank. Republican Jay Feely argues Hobbs failed to secure a fair Colorado River deal for Arizona, while Democratic opponent Amish Shah advocates for conservation and opposes data centers in arid areas, emphasizing the voters' fear and upset over water shortages.