Arizona’s water usage remains virtually unchanged since the 1950s despite robust population growth.

• Arizona’s total water use in 1957 was 7.1 million acre feet per year, with usage decreasing to 6.9 million acre feet in 2015 despite the population increasing by almost 6 million citizens and the economy growing 500 percent.

Arizona operates a world-class water management system and leads the nation in water reclamation, conservation and long-term planning strategies.

• Arizona has stored nearly 3 trillion gallons or more than 9 million acre-feet of water for future use.
• Arizona has proactively built resilience and innovative water management strategies to secure adequate water in anticipation of future drought or water shortage.
• Arizona leads the nation in comprehensive water supply management. 
• Arizona is a visionary in long-term water planning with a foundation of historic accomplishments that ensure a robust, stable and secure water supply for the state.
• Arizona’s water needs are met through a diversity of water supplies including Surface Water, Groundwater and Reclaimed Water.
• Arizona’s portfolio of water management resources and infrastructure include the creation of the Salt River Project, Central Arizona Project and Arizona Water Banking Authority enabling the state to effectively manage its natural water resources.
• Arizona’s implementation of key measures including the 1980 Groundwater Management Act, the Assured and Adequate Water Supply Program and Colorado River Compact help the state to secure its long-term water supply future.

Arizona leads the nation with rigorous water conservation and sustainability laws that protect Arizona water users and reduce reliance on the use of groundwater supplies.

• Arizona’s comprehensive 1980 Groundwater Management Act is one of the most robust water management strategies in the United States, requiring mandatory water conservation for municipal, industrial and agricultural water users in densely populated areas of the state. 
• Arizona requires 100 percent of municipal water providers to have conservation plans to lessen the impact on groundwater supplies.
• Arizona requires a 100-year renewable water supply for all new developments and does not allow new agriculture in high population zones.