Arizona has various water supplies that support habitat, communities, industry, agriculture, and our way of life. Groundwater makes up 41 percent of the state’s supply, followed by Colorado River water at roughly 36 percent, in-state rivers (like the Salt and Verde Rivers) at 18 percent, and reclaimed water (purified wastewater) at five percent.

In many communities, surface (river) water is not available, so groundwater is often the only source of water. As Colorado River water supplies shrink, the state will become increasingly reliant on other sources, like groundwater.…