AMWUA Blog
Rethinking Grass in the Desert
Since much of our household water use occurs in our yards and landscapes, rethinking our approach to grass is an effective way to conserve. Desert-adapted landscapes with drought-tolerant plants and trees use far less water and require less maintenance than traditional lawns. That's why many AMWUA cities offer rebates and incentives to help residents make the switch....
Working together, we are One for WaterTM
AMWUA’s membership consists of ten large municipalities in Maricopa County, Arizona. Collectively, the population of the AMWUA municipalities is 3.7 million people—more than 50 percent of the state’s population.
Conservation & Efficiency
Living in a desert, Arizonans recognize that water is a limited and precious resource. We know we need to conserve and protect the water we have, stretching and preserving it for the future. We have embraced a culture of conservation, and it’s paying off. That ongoing commitment will help us weather the impacts of climate change, extended drought, and shortage.
Drought & Shortage
Extended drought and a shortage on the Colorado River in 2022 are cause for concern, but they are not unexpected. Arizona has been visionary in water management planning and policy. The AMWUA cities have prepared and invested to ensure reliable, sustainable supplies for their communities. Continued innovative water management strategies, investment, and forward-thinking policy will enable us to meet the very real challenges ahead.
Where we stand on the issues
Smart water policy and careful planning, investment, and management have enabled AMWUA’s members to build robust, reliable water supplies that support our communities and economy. It is imperative that we continue to address the issues in front of us to ensure the future viability of those supplies. Learn more about some of the issues we are working on:
AMWUA Blog
Sep 09 2025
Rethinking Grass in the Desert
Since much of our household water use occurs in our yards and landscapes, rethinking our approach to grass is an effective way to conserve. Desert-adapted landscapes with drought-tolerant plants and trees use far less water and require less maintenance than traditional lawns. That's why many AMWUA cities offer rebates and incentives to help residents make the switch....
Sep 02 2025
Choosing the right plants creates vibrant, water-efficient landscapes
A year ago, the newest edition of Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert was released—and it has become a go-to guide for homeowners, landscapers, and green industry professionals alike. Whether you’re choosing the perfect shade tree or designing a low-water yard makeover, this guide helps Arizonans bring beauty and sustainability to their landscapes. On its first anniversary, we decided it's the...
Aug 26 2025
Protecting Arizona’s Lifeline: The Colorado River
The Colorado River supplies water for millions of Arizonans, supports our economy, tribal communities, local businesses, agriculture, and even keeps our military bases running. Today, that vital resource faces significant pressure from a historic drought and demand that exceeds the water available, creating much ...
AMWUA (pronounced "am-wa" as in, "I am" and "water") is the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, a non-profit association of ten municipalities in the Phoenix metro area, advocating responsible water stewardship that supports economic prosperity and safeguards Arizona's water supplies for future generations.
"Water is essential for life
It supplies food, generates energy, and creates jobs. The wellbeing of our communities and economies depends on it. In a desert, we are acutely aware that we must continue to plan, invest, and develop forward-thinking policy today to ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable water supplies for the future.
OUR MEMBERS
AMWUA's membership consists of ten large municipalities in Maricopa County, Arizona. Collectively, the population of the AMWUA municipalities is 3.7 million people—more than 50 percent of the state's population.
