Colorado River Update
All Water is Precious in the Desert
Just like all our neighbors across Arizona, we at Arizona Water Company know that when you live in a desert, water is precious. As a water utility, we take every action necessary to preserve and protect our most precious water resources.
Read the FAQs
Drought Has Persisted
Historic drought conditions have persisted on the Colorado River for decades, causing water levels in both Lake Mead and Lake Powell to decline, impacting Arizona's continued access to Colorado River water provided through the Central Arizona Project.
Water Flowing Down the Colorado River is Declining
Water levels in both Lake Mead and Lake Powell are approaching dangerously low levels. Both reservoirs provide vital water supply and a sizable portion of electricity for the Southwest.
What Does This Mean for You and for AWC?
AWC has been planning diligently for years. If the most severe new operating criteria are enacted, AWC could transition to recovered CAP water stored in central Arizona aquifers. All customers can continue to expect clean drinking water from their tap.
What Can You Do?
Continue to practice smart water use. We have 14 water conservation programs (IDMPs) throughout our service areas. Efficient water use saves water for the future and saves you money.
Visit our water conservation page →
Arizona Water Company | Protecting Arizona's Lifeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a water shortage on the Colorado River?
The Colorado River basin has been in a prolonged drought for decades. The basin is experiencing the driest conditions in many years, with little relief from reduced winter snowpack and runoff. This is resulting in decreased flows on the Colorado River.
Are the Colorado River negotiations still happening?
The negotiations are continuing. The Bureau of Reclamation released its Final Environmental Impact Statement on July 31, 2026. Negotiations will continue until a federal Record of Decision is published along with the new operating guidelines.
When will more Colorado River reductions be announced?
While there is no precise date, water orders for 2027 are due on October 1st, 2026. Binding operating criteria and guidelines are expected to be finalized before water orders for 2027 are placed. These criteria are expected to include mandatory water reductions in Arizona, California, and Nevada beginning in 2027.
What are the potential reductions to CAP water for Arizona?
The proposed operating criteria could significantly reduce CAP deliveries. Arizona, California, and Nevada have proposed a compromise, where Arizona would voluntarily cut 760,000 acre-feet, or about 30% of the state's total Colorado River allocation.
How will reductions to CAP water impact AWC?
If drought continues to worsen, and if the most severe new operating criteria are enacted, AWC could be forced to transition to recovered CAP water historically stored in central Arizona aquifers through groundwater pumping to offset the reductions to the CAP water.
Will I lose access to drinking water from AWC?
No. Arizona Water Company customers will not lose access to drinking water.
Will Arizona have enough water moving forward?
Yes. Many water providers, and the Arizona Water Banking Authority, have stored millions of acre-feet of water in underground aquifers that can be pumped. Since the 1980s, Arizona has mandated conservation and water-use reporting in the state's most populated areas. The 1980 Groundwater Management Act mandates a 100-year water supply for all new developments and water conservation mandates for municipal, industrial, and agricultural water users.
Is AWC exploring acquiring other water sources?
AWC is exploring a variety of alternative water sources to offset reductions to CAP water and to ensure the Company maintains a diverse and reliable water portfolio for the future.
What can I do to help conserve water?
Water conservation is an important way to help preserve all our water resources. If you want to learn more about water conservation and water-saving tips, please visit our water conservation page.
Still Have Questions?
Email AWC's Water Resources team at [email protected] to learn more.