Water Rises to the Top of Arizona Voters’ Concerns as Majorities Call for Long-Term Action

Long-term water supplies have risen to the top of Arizona voters’ immediate concerns, and new statewide research shows the issue reaches beyond questions of water supply alone. Voters connect Arizona’s water future directly to the state’s ability to grow, sustain its economy, protect quality of life, and prosper over the long term.

The findings are part of Center for the Future of Arizona’s (CFA) 2026 Arizona Voters' Agenda research, which identifies the priorities likely Arizona voters share across political affiliations and generations and provides insight into their experiences, concerns, and perspectives.

Asked to choose the single top issue facing Arizona from a broad list, voters selected long-term water supplies more than any other issue tested. The finding is best understood as a measure of what is most immediate or top-of-mind. Voters could choose only one issue, so it does not suggest that other major priorities are unimportant. Instead, it marks water as a particularly urgent concern heading into the election.

“Water has always been fundamental to Arizona’s future, and this research shows voters see it that way,” said Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO of CFA. “The decisions Arizona makes about water reach far beyond supply. They affect our economy, our communities, our quality of life, and what will be possible for future generations. This is a moment to think long term and give Arizonans confidence that we are preparing responsibly for the future.”

Voters Concerned About Arizona’s Water Future
The findings reveal substantial concern about whether Arizona is prepared for the demands ahead:

• 71% of voters are not confident Arizona’s water systems can reliably support future growth and extreme heat.
• 69% do not believe Arizona will have enough water over the long term to support residents, agriculture, and future economic growth.
• Concern extends across political affiliations and age groups.

These findings measure public confidence, not the technical condition of Arizona’s water supplies or infrastructure. Whether those concerns reflect underlying resource challenges, public understanding, or both, they underscore the need for clear public communication, credible long-term planning, and greater understanding of Arizona’s water future.

That concern is also consistent with a broader pattern CFA has seen across its statewide research: Arizonans repeatedly value long-term thinking, problem-solving, and leadership focused on preparing the state for the future rather than responding primarily to immediate pressures.

“What I continue to see in polling is that concern from voters about Arizona’s water future is persistent and growing,” said Paul Bentz, Vice President of Research and Strategy at HighGround, which conducted the survey. “Arizona's water expertise is spread across agencies, communities, and organizations that can be difficult for the public to navigate. Voters want leaders who can connect that expertise to the public — clearly explain what is happening, what the plan is, and how people can have confidence in Arizona’s water future.”

Arizona Voters’ Agenda Priorities: Broad Agreement on Actions Arizona Should Take
While voters express significant concern, the research also finds clear areas of agreement about steps Arizona should take:

• 78% support strengthening groundwater protections in rural parts of Arizona that currently have fewer groundwater regulations, including 68% of Republicans, 81% of independent/unaffiliated voters, and 87% of Democrats.
• 78% support limiting new housing development in areas without a guaranteed long-term water supply, including 72% of Republicans, 83% of independent/unaffiliated voters, and 83% of Democrats.

These priorities point to a clear expectation that Arizona account for long-term water security in its decisions about growth and development. The findings do not present growth and water security as competing goals. Voters expect Arizona to plan responsibly for both.

“Arizona’s water future is inseparable from Arizona’s future,” Dr. Francis said. “The choices we make now will influence where we can grow, how our economy prospers, and the quality of life future generations inherit. What gives me hope is that voters are not starting from a place of division. There is strong agreement to build from, and that creates room for the kind of long-term leadership this issue demands.”

From Broad Concern to a Credible Long-Term Plan
Water illustrates the larger purpose of the Arizona Voters’ Agenda—what voters prioritize is only the beginning. Areas of agreement create a foundation for asking candidates and leaders how they would respond and what plans and solutions they would pursue.

The questions heading into the election are clear: What specific actions would candidates and leaders take to strengthen Arizona’s water security? How would groundwater protections and water-secure development inform their approach to growth? How would they build confidence that Arizona is prepared for the future?

The goal is to bring voters’ priorities more clearly into the election conversation and encourage candidates to respond with plans, priorities, and solutions. Beyond Election Day, keeping those priorities visible creates a foundation for accountability: Are leaders acting on what voters have identified, and are areas of agreement translating into meaningful progress?

CFA will release issue-specific findings from the 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda through Aug. 20, with additional research examining immigration, elections, and education.

CFA is also conducting a second Arizona Voters’ Agenda survey later this month, with new findings and additional questions for candidates and leaders expected in September.

Explore the research and join the conversation. Find the Arizona Voters' Agenda findings, methodology, and resources at arizonafuture.org/ava.

About the Arizona Voters’ Agenda Survey

The first of two statewide 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda surveys was conducted on June 15-18, 2026. The poll surveyed 500 likely Arizona General Election voters with a history of electoral participation and was balanced to reflect expected turnout across party, age, region, and gender. Live interviews were conducted in English and Spanish by HighGround, Inc., among landline and cell phone users. The partisan advantage was set at +8% GOP based on previous election trends. The margin of error is ±4.3%.

To be included in the Arizona Voters' Agenda, each priority must receive support from at least 50% of all likely voters, as well as at least 50% of Republicans, Democrats, independents/unaffiliated voters, and every age group. The survey also includes broader questions that provide context about Arizona voters' experiences, concerns, and perspectives. Additional methodology is available at arizonafuture.org/ava.

Survey Demographics:

The 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda initiative is supported in part by Arizona State University, Helios Education Foundation, Pivotal Foundation, and Thomas R. Brown Family Private Foundation. Center for the Future of Arizona is grateful for their investment in trusted, nonpartisan research that helps inform leadership and public dialogue around Arizona's future.

About Center for the Future of Arizona

Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan "do-tank" that brings Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for our state. Through its survey research & communications, Arizona Progress Meters, and impact initiatives & programs in education, workforce, and civic health, CFA listens to Arizonans to learn what matters most to them, shares trusted data about how Arizona is doing in those priority areas, brings critical issues to public attention, and works with communities and leaders to solve public problems. CFA’s work is focused on building The Arizona We Want –a research-informed vision of success for the state, where all Arizonans, now and in the future, thrive and enjoy sustained prosperity, unmatched quality of life, and real opportunity.

CFA develops the Arizona Voters’ Agenda initiative to put the voices of Arizona voters at the forefront of election dialogue, encourage candidates and media to focus on what Arizonans agree on and care about for our state, and increase voter engagement by building a positive agenda that focuses on outcomes that voters across age and political affiliation want. Visit arizonafuture.org/ava for more details on the initiative and comprehensive survey information.