Key Water Topics Discussed at 2026 ABWC Conference
WRRC Associate Director Jamie McEvoy attended the 2026 Agribusiness and Water Council (ABWC) Conference last Friday, where speakers discussed key areas of interest including agricultural production, energy, industry, and water.
Speakers from agricultural industries explained the need for secure water supplies. Corey Geiger, the lead economist for dairy production at CoBank, highlighted the growing consumer demand for high-protein dairy products such as cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Ed Gerak, Executive Director of the Irrigation & Electrical Districts Association of Arizona, emphasized the importance of water conservation to continued hydropower production. Industry panelists continued the conversation, including discussion of the water and power demands associated with data centers.
During the water panel, Kathryn Sorenson, the director of research at ASU’s Kyl Center for Water Policy, described what Colorado River shortages mean for Arizona’s groundwater. She noted that only 13 cities use Colorado River water directly for tap water; others pump groundwater and use Colorado River water to recharge aquifers. Sorenson highlighted AZ CuRVE, an interactive tool developed at ASU, which allows stakeholders to visualize potential local impacts of Colorado River shortages.
Arizona Department of Water Resources Deputy Director Clint Chandler described the Colorado River as a “stressed system,” noting that even strong snowpack years are producing less runoff. He discussed the US Bureau of Reclamation’s Record of Decision of the post-2026 Decision Framework for Colorado River Guidelines, which was the focus of the most recent Arizona Reconsultation Committee meeting.
Speakers also commemorated the passing of former Senator Jon Kyl, whose bipartisan approach and contributions to Arizona water policy were widely recognized.