Securing Sustainable Water Supplies in Arizona

Arizona is a rapidly growing state with a population that grew 40 percent between 1990 and 2000. The natural beauty of the state and its climate are two of the many factors contributing to this high growth rate. Associated with the climate, however, are the challenges of living in a desert environment. In Central Arizona, home to 80 percent of the state’s population, rainfall averages between 19 to 30 centimeters annually. Groundwater is the water supply serving approximately 40 percent of Arizona water demand.