U of A Study Finds Critical Safe Water Access & Affordability Needs in Southern AZ
Pray for Running Water (WRRC Photo Contest)
Eric Weiss
Water-insecure Southern Arizona residents are well aware of the region’s water scarcity and are already taking steps to conserve. What they’re asking for, according to a June 2026 report from the U of A’s Center for Regional Food Studies, is safe, affordable drinking water and greater transparency about how water is managed.
The report, titled Water in Our Communities, grew out of a series of community forums—also known as pláticas—conducted by researchers between March 2025 and March 2026. These conversations included more than 100 residents of Pima, Cochise, and Santa Cruz Counties who were asked about their water access challenges, water affordability and quality concerns, and thoughts on the region’s water future.
The research found that water safety and affordability were among community residents’ top priorities. Participants cited discolored water, aging pipelines, and nearby mines as reasons for their low trust in tap water. In addition, they noted that even hauling safe water was out of reach for many—particularly the elderly, people with disabilities, and people without cars. The research report quotes participants’ comments to illustrate conclusions drawn from study. “Many people don’t have money to buy bottled water and rely on dirty water,” said one Southwest Tucson participant. “I’m angry that the company sends us dirty water while we’re paying for it.”
Many community members also felt that those in charge of the state’s water supply were not being transparent enough in their decision-making. They pointed out that individuals and families often bear the burden of conservation while data centers and industrial agriculture continue to consume. “We have a right to be informed,” said one West Tucson participant. “They should share more transparently about how they are caring for the water—maintenance practices, schedules, all of it.”
The report recommends offering free or low-cost home water safety systems, increasing communication between water providers and the communities they serve, and giving water-insecure Arizonans a seat at the table when it comes to water decision-making.