All of the submissions to our 2025 photo contest are now available to view on our website. Our next photo contest will be starting early this year, so keep an eye out and get ready to enter again. We’ll announce the opening date and the 2026 submission deadline at our April conference on April 14–15.

University of Arizona hydrologist Dr. Laura Condon was recently awarded the 2025 James B. Macelwane Medal, one of the most respected honors for early-career scientists in Earth and space sciences. The award recognizes researchers whose work demonstrates exceptional impact, creativity and leadership in advancing scientific research.

The week of March 23 is full of events at the WRRC, starting off with our World Water Day webinar on Monday, “Water for All People – Governance, Security, and Access.” WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal will be joined by Dr. Laura Imburgia of the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme, Dr. Róisín Burke of Utrecht University, Dr. Heather Tanana of University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and Professor Corinne Schuster-Wallace of the Global Institute for Water Security to discuss the themes of World Water Day 2026.

WRRC 2026 Conference Sessions 6 and 7 will bring a strong conclusion to the conference with examples of community collaboration and interactions with mining and technology organizations. These sessions will give attendees valuable understanding of the necessary building blocks in creating partnerships between corporations and communities. Don’t miss out — register now!

On Wednesday, March 4, Governor Katie Hobbs announced an Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply (ADAWS) for Arizona Water Company. The signing ceremony took place at Casa Grande City Hall in Pinal County, the fastest growing county in Arizona.

WRRC graduate student, Noah Rios, a Master of Public Health student and Peace Corps Coverdell Fellow, presented a poster at the recent Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Showcase. His poster, titled “WIFA Water Conservation Factsheets: Building Water Conservation Capacity in Underserved Rural and Indigenous Communities,” described the work he is pursuing with his fellowship.

The WRRC 2026 Annual Conference on April 14–15 will explore the interconnected challenges shaping Arizona’s future through a series of sessions examining the relationships between land use, water resources, energy systems, and economic development. Together, these sessions will offer attendees a deeper look at the complex intersections between water, energy, industry, and community well-being across Arizona and the broader region.

The WRRC mourns the passing of Eugene G. Sander, an extraordinary leader as well as a good friend and supporter of our work. WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal wrote, "Gene was a giant in so many ways. His contributions were enormous. His commitment to excellence was unrivaled. The University of Arizona and I personally owe so much to him."

At the end of February, WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal and Associate Director Jamie McEvoy traveled to Washington DC to attend the annual meeting of the National Institutes of Water Resources (NIWR).

As part of the discussion on water use in industrial sectors, the WRRC 2026 Conference program will provide opportunities for attendees and community members to share their perspectives on these topics.