Phoenix, Arizona, December 10, 2025
A coalition of Arizona business groups advocates for equitable water cuts from the Colorado River amidst drought challenges. They emphasize the need for all states sharing the river to participate in conservation efforts to maintain long-term sustainability. Arizona’s proactive water management and the urgent need for new guidelines driven by ongoing negotiations highlight the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing water scarcity.
Arizona Business Coalition Calls for Fair Water Cuts
Local entrepreneurs advocate for balanced water conservation measures amid negotiation challenges on Colorado River management.
Phoenix, Arizona – A coalition of Arizona business groups has called for an equitable distribution of water cuts from the Colorado River, urging that all states sharing the river bear a fair share of the reductions. This appeal comes amid ongoing negotiations over the future management of the river, which is facing significant water shortages due to prolonged drought conditions.
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with other business organizations, emphasized the need for a balanced approach to water conservation. They expressed concern that the Upper Basin states—Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming—have not committed to meaningful water conservation efforts, potentially placing an undue burden on Lower Basin states like Arizona, California, and Nevada. The coalition advocates for all seven states to implement water conservation measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River system.
Proactive Leadership in Water Management
Governor Katie Hobbs and bipartisan leaders from the Arizona State Legislature have also been actively involved in these discussions. In November 2025, they sent a joint letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, urging the federal government to facilitate negotiations and ensure that Upper Basin states contribute to water conservation efforts. They highlighted Arizona’s commitment to conserving water and protecting the Colorado River, noting that the state has already implemented significant reductions to stabilize the river system.
Arizona has a history of proactive water management. Since 2014, the state has conserved nearly 4.7 million acre-feet of water to protect Lake Mead. The Central Arizona Project (CAP), a 336-mile canal system, delivers nearly half of Arizona’s Colorado River water to central and southern communities. However, the current water-sharing agreement is set to expire in October 2026, prompting the need for new guidelines to address the challenges posed by ongoing drought conditions and water scarcity.
Collaborative Efforts and Community Engagement
The call for equitable water sharing is part of a broader effort to address the challenges facing the Colorado River. Environmental groups have also called for urgent policy changes, including reductions in water demand and modifications to infrastructure like the Glen Canyon Dam, to prevent the river from reaching a point of failure. The situation underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for the river’s future.
As negotiations continue, Arizona’s business community remains committed to advocating for fair water distribution, recognizing the critical role the Colorado River plays in supporting the state’s economy and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Colorado River Compact?
The Colorado River Compact is an agreement among seven U.S. states—Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California—that allocates the river’s water resources among them. The current guidelines are set to expire in October 2026, prompting the need for new agreements.
Why are Arizona business groups concerned about water cuts?
Arizona business groups are concerned that without equitable water cuts, the state may face significant economic and environmental challenges. They advocate for all states to share in the conservation efforts to ensure the river’s sustainability.
What actions has Arizona taken to conserve water?
Arizona has conserved nearly 4.7 million acre-feet of water since 2014 to protect Lake Mead. The state has also developed proposals with Nevada and California to more sustainably manage the Colorado River.
Key Features of the Colorado River Water Sharing Issue
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Colorado River Compact | An agreement among seven U.S. states allocating the river’s water resources, with current guidelines expiring in October 2026. |
| Arizona’s Water Conservation Efforts | Conserved nearly 4.7 million acre-feet of water since 2014 to protect Lake Mead and developed proposals with Nevada and California for sustainable management. |
| Business Community’s Stance | Advocates for equitable water cuts among all states to ensure the Colorado River’s sustainability and support Arizona’s economy. |
| Environmental Concerns | Environmental groups call for urgent policy changes, including reductions in water demand and infrastructure modifications, to prevent the river from reaching a point of failure. |
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The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
