What is happening with Arizona’s water?
The water issues facing Arizona broadly and the Arizona golf community more specifically are at a critical point. The seven states that make up the Colorado River basin and benefit from the water and power generated from the river and associated reservoirs have failed to meet a Feb. 14, 2026, deadline for an agreement that defines how the water rights are managed. The decision reverted back to the federal government, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Department of Interior who are determining if they are going to decide on or extend the negotiations for the associated states.
With over 325 golf facilities serving over 650K golfers in the state and a tourism industry that relies on these facilities, golf is a vital piece of the fabric of Arizona. The Arizona golf industry is responsible for over $6B in economic impact each year and the game serves as a physical outlet for juniors, seniors and everyone in-between. And while the golf industry invests heavily in research, development and implementation of tools and processes to use water intelligently and mitigate waste, if the valve that supplies water to Arizona is closed, no amount of resourcefulness will keep our golf courses open.
