POLL: Water Crisis Emerges as Top Arizona Policy Priority for 2024

Water Crisis Emerges as Top Arizona Policy Priority for 2024

71% Concerned About Long-Term Supply; Bipartisan Support for Conservation Mandates

PHOENIX (May 16th, 2024) – Water security has emerged as one of Arizona's most pressing policy concerns, with 71% of registered voters expressing concern about the state's long-term water supply, according to a new AZPOP survey from OH Predictive Insights. Thirty-eight percent say they are "very concerned" — a level of intensity that rivals economic and immigration issues and reflects growing public awareness of Arizona's precarious water future.

The survey comes amid ongoing negotiations over the Colorado River Compact, which provides Arizona with approximately 36% of its water supply. Lake Mead, the nation's largest reservoir, reached historic low levels in 2022 before partial recovery in 2023, but experts warn that structural demand imbalances threaten the river's long-term viability as a reliable water source for the arid Southwest.

The concern cuts across partisan lines more than most policy issues. Among Republicans, 65% express concern about water supply — a striking figure for a party not typically associated with environmental policy prioritization. Democratic concern is higher at 79%, while Independent voters register 70% concern.

"Water is one of the rare issues that truly unifies Arizona voters across party lines," says OHPI Chief of Research Mike Noble. "When you see 65% of Republicans concerned about an environmental resource issue, you know it's moved beyond partisan politics into the realm of shared survival."

On specific policy solutions, the survey finds strong support for several conservation-oriented measures. Mandatory water-efficient landscaping requirements (replacing grass with desert-appropriate plants) draws 74% support. Tiered water pricing that charges higher rates for heavy users earns 68% support. Requirements for new developments to demonstrate long-term water supply before receiving building permits — a measure already enacted in some Arizona counties — gets 76% support.

More divisive is the question of agricultural water use, which accounts for approximately 72% of Arizona's total water consumption. While 59% of voters support implementing stricter water use limits on agriculture, farmers and agricultural interests represent a politically powerful constituency in rural Arizona, and 38% of voters oppose such restrictions. The rural-urban divide is stark: urban voters support agricultural water limits 65% to 31%, while rural voters oppose them 52% to 44%.

"The agricultural water issue is where conservation goals collide with economic livelihoods," says OHPI Data Analyst Jacob Joss. "You cannot solve Arizona's water crisis without addressing agricultural consumption, but it's going to require careful political navigation."

Voters are also supportive of investment in water supply infrastructure: 81% support expanding water recycling and reclamation facilities, and 69% support state investment in desalination technology, even if it increases water costs modestly.

Methodology: AZPOP conducted May 11–13, 2024. Blended 47% Live Caller / 53% IVR. Arizona Registered Voters. n=600 with ±4.0% MOE.

Media Contacts:
Mike Noble, OH Predictive Insights, [email protected], (480) 313-1837
Jacob Joss, OH Predictive Insights, [email protected], (602) 687-3034