- Coalition unites mayors from cities served by Central Arizona Project.
- Members pledge to safeguard Arizona’s share of the Colorado River.
- Leaders emphasize collaboration, conservation and resilience.
- The effort is described as nonpartisan and statewide.
Friday, August 22, 2025 — This week, mayors from across Arizona announced the formation of the Coalition for Protecting Arizona’s Lifeline
, a new alliance focused on safeguarding the state’s Colorado River water supplies. The group brings together leaders from communities served by the Central Arizona Project (CAP), a 336-mile aqueduct that delivers water to Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties. CAP is the largest water delivery system in the state, providing water to millions of residents.
The coalition includes more than 20 mayors from cities and towns stretching from Phoenix and Tucson to smaller communities such as Apache Junction, Florence, and Cave Creek.
A Critical Moment for the Colorado River.
The coalition comes at a time when the Colorado River faces historic drought, chronic over-allocation, and heightened regional pressures. The river provides water for more than 40 million people across the Southwest, including tribal nations and agricultural communities, and supports economies in seven U.S. states as well as Mexico.
“Central Arizona’s share of the Colorado River is foundational to our water planning, land use decisions, economic security and national defense,” said Terry Goddard, president of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District board.
Brenda Burman, general manager of the Central Arizona Project, described the coalition as a reflection of Arizona communities’ history of conservation and collaboration. “These cities have shown that it’s possible to conserve water while fostering resilient economies and creating communities people are proud to call home,” Burman said.
Local Leaders Speak Out.
Several mayors underscored the urgency of protecting the state’s water supply.
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Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said: “Our cities depend on this water to sustain our communities, grow our economies and protect our future. Arizona must come together to defend and secure this vital resource.”
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Tucson Mayor Regina Romero stressed the statewide implications: “Any dramatic reduction or reallocation of Colorado River water that CAP delivers to its users would have significant negative implications for our total quality of life, economy and the security of our country.”
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Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman pointed to conservation successes: “Today, we use less water per capita than ever before, even as our population has surpassed seven million.”
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Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor called for urgency: “Together, our voices are stronger, our message is clearer and our commitment is unwavering.”
Building on a Record of Conservation.
Arizona, along with California and Nevada, has advanced conservation measures and water-reuse initiatives to help stabilize the river system. The state has promoted efficient irrigation technologies, water recycling programs, and municipal conservation measures that reduce overall demand.
The coalition’s website, ProtectingArizonasLifeline.com, features videos from member mayors and provides opportunities for residents to learn more and pledge support.
