Water Security and Natural Resources

WHY THIS IS PERSONAL

“I’ve lived in this district for nearly 25 years. Water security isn’t an abstract policy issue for me. It’s about the future of the community where I raised my family and plan to grow old. Arizona’s water challenges are serious. They’re also solvable, if we have the political will and the practical knowledge to act.”

Invest in water innovation and supply

There is no single solution to ensure Arizona's long-term water security. Investing in a variety of solutions, such as reclaimed water, aquifer recharge, desalination partnerships, and water recycling, is part of a multi-pronged approach to support future growth in our state. Julie's committed to making our state a leader others can learn from.

Fight for Arizona’s share of the Colorado River

The post-2026 Colorado River guidelines will shape Arizona’s water future. Arizona must be at the table with a strong, unified position that protects communities, industries, and our diverse natural resources.

Strengthen groundwater protections

The 1980 Groundwater Management Act protected Arizona cities, but there is a significant gap in protections for rural Arizona. Julie believes in locally-driven solutions that empower communities to protect their own water without one-size-fits-all mandates.

Keep out-of-state corporations out of Arizona’s aquifers

Local water belongs to local communities. Foreign and out-of-state corporations shouldn't pump Arizona’s finite groundwater to grow crops shipped overseas while Arizona families watch their wells run dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of Arizona’s water comes from the Colorado River?

According to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Arizona uses approximately 7 million acre-feet of water annually, of which about 2.8 million acre-feet comes from the Colorado River. Multiple analyses estimate that the Colorado River supplies between 36% and 40% of Arizona's total water use, making it a critical source of water for cities, agriculture, industry, and tribal communities across the state. Water levels in the Colorado River system have declined significantly over the past two decades, prompting ongoing negotiations among the seven basin states regarding future water allocations.

Sources: [1] Arizona Department of Water Resources, Water Your Facts; [2] The New York Times, Tensions Are Rising Among States That Rely on the Colorado River.

How much water do data centers use in Arizona?

According to a 2025 Ceres report, data-center water consumption in Arizona is projected to increase substantially as new facilities are developed. The report estimates annual water use could rise from approximately 2.9 billion gallons in 2025 to more than 14.5 billion gallons in future years. Ceres notes that many data centers are being built in fast-growing regions that already face long-term water-management challenges.

Sources: [1] Ceres, Drained by Data: The Cumulative Impact of Data Centers on Regional Water Stress

What is groundwater and why is it important in Arizona?

Data collected by the Arizona Department of Water Resources indicates that groundwater stored in underground aquifers supplies roughly 41% of Arizona’s water, making it one of the state’s most important natural resources. Aquifers can take thousands of years to recharge naturally. Water experts note that groundwater can be pumped much faster than it is replenished, and prolonged overdraft can lower water tables, increase pumping costs, and contribute to land subsidence.

Julie supports policies intended to balance economic growth with long-term groundwater sustainability, including greater transparency in water-management decisions and stronger local involvement in groundwater planning.

Sources: Arizona Department of Water Resources, Water Your Facts, “Arizona Water Supplies”.

Which companies have been involved in controversies over groundwater pumping in Arizona?

Several high-profile disputes have focused on large agricultural and investment companies operating in rural Arizona. In State of Arizona v. Fondomonte, the state alleged that Fondomonte Arizona LLC, a subsidiary of a Saudi-owned company, pumped vast quantities of groundwater from the Ranegras Plain Basin to grow alfalfa for export. Court filings and state reports noted concerns about declining groundwater levels and ground collapse in the area.

Investigative reporting by Reveal in 2023 found that Al Dahra, a United Arab Emirates–owned agricultural company, operates farming operations in western Arizona that rely on groundwater to grow hay to send overseas. Reveal also reported that the Arizona State Retirement System had $175 million in investments connected to this operation.

In 2026, AZ Mirror reported on proposals involving Water Asset Management, a hedge fund associated with groundwater-rights acquisitions in rural Arizona. Local residents and water advocates expressed concerns that the purchases could facilitate future transfers of groundwater to urban areas.

Sources: [1] State of Arizona v. Fondomonte; [2] Nathan Halverson, Reveal News, State Pension Fund is Helping a Middle Eastern Firm Export Arizona’s Precious Groundwater; [3] Caitlin Sievers, AZ Mirror, Rural Arizonans Fight Bill That Would Let A Hedge Fund Sell Their Water To Phoenix.