Phoenix – September 28, 2026 -- A new statewide survey from the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) finds 93% of Arizona voters agree elected leaders must make long-term investments to secure the state's water future, including dedicating more state funding to water systems.
Bipartisan Support Crosses Party Lines on Water Funding
Support for long-term water investment spans the political spectrum, with 90% of Republicans, 91% of independent and unaffiliated voters, and 97% of Democrats in agreement, according to the 2026 Arizona Voters' Agenda research.
Voters Back Diversified Water Supply Strategies
89% of respondents agree Arizona needs to expand its water supply through strategies including new water sources, desalination investment, and wastewater recycling. That figure includes 87% of Republicans, 86% of independent and unaffiliated voters, and 96% of Democrats.
Voters Question Whether Infrastructure Will Keep Pace With Growth
The research finds many Arizona voters doubt the state's current water, energy, and infrastructure systems will meet future demand as the state continues to grow economically. Strong majorities also support investments to address extreme heat and want growing industries to share the additional infrastructure costs their expansion creates, rather than placing that burden solely on existing ratepayers.
"Arizona voters expect leaders to make the choices today that will allow water, energy, and infrastructure to keep pace with growth and help communities meet the demands of extreme heat," said Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO of CFA.
Reliable Energy Viewed as Essential to Sustaining Growth
The survey identifies reliable and affordable energy as a top priority tied directly to Arizona's capacity to sustain economic opportunity and quality of life for residents amid population and industrial growth.