PHOENIX, AZ – As Arizona lawmakers and Governor Katie Hobbs enter the final weeks of budget negotiations for the upcoming fiscal year, a new statewide poll has delivered an unequivocal message from the electorate: securing the state’s water future, particularly for the imperiled Colorado River, must be the top legislative priority, with voters expecting immediate action. The comprehensive survey reveals overwhelming bipartisan support for the creation of a dedicated Colorado River Protection Fund, demonstrating a rare unity on an issue critical to the state’s long-term prosperity and environmental health.
The Unambiguous Mandate: Voter Priorities
The poll, conducted by Cygnal—a conservative polling firm recently lauded as the nation’s most accurate private pollster—underscores a stark preference among Arizona voters. Water supply and Colorado River protection emerged as the foremost legislative concern for 50% of respondents, eclipsing other pressing issues such as inflation (47%), border security (30%), taxes (29%), and education (26%). This prioritization is not confined to a single political demographic; water ranks as the leading concern among Democrats and Independents, and a strong second among Republicans, just behind border security.
The call for a Colorado River Protection Fund garnered exceptional consensus, with a staggering 10-to-1 margin of support (75% in favor, just 7% opposed). This robust backing signals a clear public expectation for state investment in water security measures before the current legislative session concludes. The immediacy of this demand highlights a widespread understanding of the critical juncture Arizona faces concerning its most vital resource.
Arizona’s Lifeline: The Colorado River Crisis
Arizona’s profound reliance on the Colorado River cannot be overstated. Roughly 40% of the state’s water supply originates from this river, sustaining major metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Tucson, powering a significant agricultural sector, and supporting vital industries, including mining. The river system, governed by the complex 1922 Colorado River Compact and subsequent agreements among seven Western states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming), has long been over-allocated, with more water promised than the river reliably delivers.
This structural deficit has been catastrophically exacerbated by more than two decades of severe drought, which scientists increasingly link to climate change. The basin has experienced its driest 22-year period in at least 1,200 years, leading to dramatic declines in the two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell. These critical water storage facilities, which serve as the lifeblood for millions, have fallen to historically low levels, triggering federal warnings and mandatory water cutbacks, particularly for Arizona and Nevada.
A Chronology of Drought and Declining Reserves:
- Early 2000s: The onset of a prolonged drought begins to stress the Colorado River system, leading to initial concerns about water availability.
- 2007 Interim Guidelines: The seven basin states and the Bureau of Reclamation agree on guidelines for sharing shortages and surplus conditions, marking a pivotal step towards managing scarcity.
- 2019 Drought Contingency Plan (DCP): Faced with rapidly declining reservoir levels, the basin states implement the DCP, an agreement designed to voluntarily reduce water usage and protect Lake Mead and Lake Powell from falling to critically low elevations. Arizona’s agricultural sector, particularly in Pinal County, bore significant initial cuts.
- 2021-2022: The Bureau of Reclamation declares the first-ever Tier 2a and Tier 2b shortages, triggering deeper cuts for Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico. Lake Mead falls to its lowest levels since the Hoover Dam was filled in the 1930s.
- 2023: Federal officials call for unprecedented cuts of 2-4 million acre-feet across the basin to stabilize the system, prompting intense negotiations among the states. Arizona actively participates in efforts to find consensus-based solutions.
- Present Day: Despite a relatively wet winter in some parts of the Rockies, the long-term hydrological outlook remains grim, with reservoir levels still precariously low, necessitating continued and potentially deeper cuts in the future. This ongoing crisis provides the immediate backdrop for the current legislative budget debate in Arizona.
The Proposed Solution: Colorado River Protection Fund
The overwhelming support for a Colorado River Protection Fund reflects a proactive desire to mitigate the ongoing crisis. Such a fund would likely be designed to provide state resources for a range of critical initiatives, including:
- Conservation Measures: Investing in water-saving technologies and practices for agriculture, which accounts for a significant portion of water use.
- Infrastructure Modernization: Upgrading aging water infrastructure to reduce leaks and improve delivery efficiency.
- Watershed Restoration: Funding projects that improve the health of Arizona’s watersheds, which are vital for natural water capture and storage.
- New Water Supplies: Exploring and investing in innovative technologies such as advanced wastewater recycling (potable reuse) and desalination, although the latter presents significant cost and energy challenges.
- System Stabilization: Contributing to broader efforts to keep Lake Mead and Lake Powell from dropping to "dead pool" levels, which would render the dams unable to release water downstream.
By creating a dedicated fund, Arizona aims to take control of its water destiny, reducing reliance on federal mandates and fostering state-led solutions that are tailored to its unique needs and challenges.
Bipartisan Consensus: A Rare Alignment
The poll’s findings of broad, durable support for immediate state investment in water security cut across party lines, signaling a significant political moment in Arizona. In an era often characterized by deep partisan divides, the consensus on water underscores its fundamental importance to every aspect of life and economy in the desert state. This bipartisan alignment puts significant pressure on Governor Hobbs and state lawmakers to prioritize and allocate substantial funds in the upcoming budget. Ignoring such a clear mandate could carry considerable political risk, especially with an active and engaged electorate closely watching the legislative proceedings. The expectation is that lawmakers will translate this public will into concrete budgetary action before the session’s end.
Voices from Across the Spectrum
A diverse coalition of organizations, spanning environmental advocacy, business, agriculture, and municipal interests, has rallied behind the poll results, amplifying the call for legislative action. Their collective statements underscore the multifaceted impact of water security:
Haley Paul, Senior Director for Policy at Audubon Southwest, emphasized the clarity of the voter mandate: “These exceptional polling results are about as clear a mandate from voters as you can get. Arizonans from every political stripe are sending a clear signal to the state Capitol: Arizona water security must be a defining issue of this budget. Voters expect state lawmakers to act now to secure state funding to protect the Colorado River and help stabilize the system in the wake of this dry winter.” Audubon Southwest, dedicated to bird conservation, recognizes that healthy river systems are essential for both wildlife habitats and human communities.
Jackie Corbin, Arizona Field Representative for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, highlighted the ecological imperative: “Healthy watersheds result in reliable water supplies. Given the rapidly declining water levels throughout the Colorado River Basin, it is imperative that state leaders take action to ensure short- and long-term water availability. Allocating state funds to secure Arizona’s water future by investing in Colorado River infrastructure and restoration efforts is a crucial step toward protecting Arizona’s natural heritage, including the fish and wildlife hunters and anglers deeply value.” For conservation groups, the preservation of natural ecosystems and recreational opportunities is directly tied to robust water management.
From the business community, Clark Princell, President and CEO of Valley Partnership, underscored the link between water and economic development: “Strategically managing Arizona’s Colorado River and groundwater supplies is essential to Arizona’s growing population and economy. As a state, we must recognize the critical linkages between meeting current and future water needs for housing and economic growth. To do that, we need reliable water supplies.” Valley Partnership, representing the commercial real estate development community, sees water as foundational for continued growth and prosperity.
Sandy Fabritz, Director of Water Strategy for Freeport-McMoRan, a major mining corporation, pointed to the industry’s critical need: “Arizona is a national leader in the production of critical metals and minerals essential to our country’s economy and national security. Reliable access to Colorado River water supplies is essential to continued production of these resources and the mining sector’s role in creating high-paying jobs and supporting local communities.” The mining sector, a significant employer and economic driver, relies on consistent water access for its operations.
Warren Tenney, Executive Director of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA), representing major cities, stressed the risks of inaction: “Failure to stabilize the Colorado River system risks our state’s water security and continued economic prosperity. This poll highlights the importance of Arizona investing in conservation measures, strengthening the reliability of our existing water supplies, and pursuing new water supplies to ensure our communities and state thrive for generations.” AMWUA’s members are on the front lines of providing reliable water to millions of residents, making state investment a top priority.
Stephanie Knight-Dubien, Executive Director of the Agribusiness and Water Council of Arizona, articulated the challenges faced by farmers: “The Colorado River is a lifeline for Arizona agriculture. Arizona farmers and ranchers are working hard to demonstrate that we can continue to produce a substantial portion of the nation’s overall food supply with water-saving technologies. But Arizona farmers and ranchers need additional resources to ensure that our rural communities continue to thrive in the face of drought and diminished Colorado River water supplies.” Agriculture, a traditional pillar of Arizona’s economy, requires significant water resources and is often the first sector to experience cuts during shortages.
Harold Thomas, Associate Director, Business for Water Stewardship, reiterated the broad economic impact: “Arizona’s economic growth—our ability to build homes, attract businesses, and keep the lights on—runs through the Colorado River. This poll makes clear that voters expect the Arizona Legislature to invest in protecting this vital resource. Arizona-led solutions that help protect our water supply before the crisis worsens deserve serious consideration.” This organization champions sustainable water management for business resilience.
Finally, Christian Fauser, Public Lands Coordinator for the Arizona Wildlife Federation, emphasized the conservation angle: “In a state where water is so precious, elected leaders must prioritize protection and restoration of our watersheds for the benefit of both Arizonans and wildlife. Arizona’s hunting and angling community offers our strong support for securing funding in this year’s budget to ensure our state’s watersheds continue to provide essential water supplies as well as support our rich heritage of hunting and fishing.” The federation connects water security to the preservation of hunting and fishing traditions.
Economic and Environmental Imperatives
The implications of securing the Colorado River are profound, touching every facet of Arizona’s economy and environment. Economically, reliable water supplies are foundational for continued urban development, attracting new businesses, supporting existing industries like semiconductors and aerospace, and sustaining the state’s vibrant tourism sector. Without adequate water, housing growth stalls, agricultural output declines, and industrial operations face uncertainty, directly impacting job creation and state revenues. The cost of inaction—potential federal intervention, severe water cuts, and diminished economic activity—far outweighs the investment required for a protection fund.
Environmentally, the health of the Colorado River and its tributaries is crucial for biodiversity. Declining flows threaten riparian habitats, impact endangered species, and degrade the overall ecological integrity of the basin. Investing in watershed restoration and conservation efforts not only secures water for human use but also protects the natural heritage that defines much of Arizona’s landscape and supports its outdoor recreation economy.
The Road Ahead: Legislative Budget Negotiations
The survey results land at a critical juncture, with Arizona lawmakers currently engaged in intense negotiations over the state budget. The message from voters is unequivocally clear: water security is not an optional expenditure but a foundational investment that commands immediate attention. With only weeks remaining in the legislative session, the pressure on Governor Hobbs and legislative leaders to incorporate substantial funding for Colorado River protection is immense. Failure to act decisively risks not only undermining public trust but also exacerbating an already precarious water situation, with potential long-term consequences for Arizona’s economy, environment, and quality of life. The voters have spoken, and they expect their leaders to listen and act.
About the Survey
The probabilistic survey was conducted by Cygnal between April 23-25, 2026, among a representative sample of likely Arizona general election voters. It has a margin of error of ±4.00%. Registered voters were interviewed via online panel and SMS and weighted to a likely general election voter universe. Cygnal has been recognized by the New York Times and Silver Bulletin as the #1 most accurate private pollster in the country. The poll was commissioned and paid for by Audubon Southwest.
About Audubon Southwest
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Incorporated in 1905, the National Audubon Society is one of the oldest and most effective bird conservation organizations in the Western Hemisphere. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon Southwest is the regional office of the National Audubon Society covering Arizona and New Mexico, advocating for policies and projects that ensure healthy ecosystems for birds and people.
