The future of the Colorado River — a vital water source for 80% of Central and Southern Arizona — is more uncertain than ever. The seven Colorado River Basin states and the federal government have failed to reach an agreement on how to manage the river after 2026, leaving Arizona cities uncertain about how much water they’ll receive starting in 2027.

Regardless of what is eventually decided for the Colorado River’s operations or how Arizona manages its anticipated cuts, all parties must ensure that municipal water providers in Central and Southern Arizona can meet their communities’ water needs. Anything less will damage Arizona’s and the nation’s economies.

A river in trouble

The Colorado River isn’t producing as much water as it used to, which means less water needs to be delivered to

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