In 2009, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer announced the formation of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Water Sustainability (BRP) to focus on water conservation and recycling as strategies for improving water sustainability in Arizona. The BRP was jointly chaired by three officials responsible for the regulation and management of water resources: Ben Grumbles, Director, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ); Herb Guenther, Director, Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR); and Kris Mayes, Chairperson, Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), Arizona’s constitutionally established regulatory body for privately owned utilities. An additional 40 members representing diverse water interests in Arizona were appointed to the BRP, including representatives of large and small cities, counties, agriculture, industry, Indian Tribes, environmental interests, Arizona universities, legislative leaders, and other experts. The BRP held its first meeting on January 8th, 2010 and was challenged to identify and overcome obstacles to increased water sustainability.