The WRRC 2026 Annual Conference is fast approaching. The speakers and presentations focusing on Water for Tech, Mining & Energy: Pathways to Arizona's Future will offer insights into the challenges and opportunities for water users in Arizona’s industrial sectors. Specifically, the luncheon program on Wednesday, April 15, will explore Research and Initiatives in Water, Tech, Mining, and Energy. Following acknowledgements and introductions from WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal, a recorded video presentation from the Honorable Katie Hobbs, Governor of Arizona, will be presented. Her remarks will provide highlights and insights into Arizona’s water future, including water policy relevant to tech and mining developments around the state.

On April 14–15, the WRRC will be hosting its 2026 Annual Conference, Water for Tech, Mining & Energy: Pathways to Arizona’s Future, at the U of A Student Union Memorial Center in Tucson. If you can’t make it to Tucson, you can still attend via Zoom. It's free!

A newly published article in the journal Water by WRRC Designated Campus Colleague Aminta Menjivar Maldonado, along with WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal and U of A College of Law Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Clinic Director Heather White Man Runs Him, analyzes Arizona’s Tribal water settlements.

On March 24, 2026, WRRC hosted EPCOR Water Resources Director Doug Dunham for a webinar on EPCOR’s operations across Arizona. As the largest private water utility in the state, EPCOR provides drinking water, industrial water, and wastewater services to hundreds of thousands of people.

The WRRC is pleased to present our 2026 Arroyo, "Borders and Water: Institutions, Investments, and Information." This year’s Arroyo explores the topic of water and borders, building on discussions from the WRRC 2025 Annual Conference, Shared Borders, Shared Waters.

The WRRC extends its deep gratitude to the organizations whose generous support makes our 2026 conference possible. Sponsorships create opportunities for water professionals and enthusiasts to connect, learn, and collaborate in meaningful ways. We value the partnerships we share with these organizations!

In a recent article published in academic news outlet The Conversation, WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal and co-author Colorado Water Center Director Karen Schlatter address the complex issues surrounding ongoing Colorado River negotiations.

At the conclusion of the WRRC 2026 annual conference, two presentations will offer important perspectives on the current and future challenges and opportunities of industrial water use. A Tribal keynote and a conference wrap-up will help conference participants reflect on the broader implications of the discussions and carry key insights forward. Register now to hear these presentations and more at the WRRC 2026 annual conference on April 14–15.

March 22 is designated by UN Water as annual World Water Day, with the 2026 theme being “Water and Gender.” World Water Day is coupled each year with the release of the World Water Development Report, this year titled Water for all people: Equal rights and opportunities. To explore these important themes, MDPI Water and the WRRC collaborated to deliver the March 23, 2026, webinar, “Water for All People – Governance, Security, and Access.”

The deadline to register for the WRRC 2026 conference at the standard registration rate has been extended! Interested readers can register for the WRRC 2026 Annual Conference, Water for Tech, Mining & Energy: Pathways to Arizona’s Future, taking place on April 14–15, 2026, with the standard ticket rate of $200 now through Friday, April 3. Thereafter, attendees can still register for the late rate of $225. Discounted, pre-paid parking is available until Monday, March 30.