- A new statewide survey found water is the top immediate concern for Arizona voters.
- Most voters doubt the state has enough water for future growth.
- Strong majorities back tougher rural groundwater rules and limits on housing without secure water.
- That agreement crossed party lines and age groups.
- The Center for the Future of Arizona released the findings on Aug. 14, 2026.
Monday, August 17, 2026 — A new statewide survey shows that water has moved to the front of Arizona voters’ minds. When asked to name the single biggest issue facing the state, more voters picked long-term water supplies than any other choice on the list. The Center for the Future of Arizona
, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research group, released the finding on Aug. 14, 2026, as part of its 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda research.
The survey also shows voters see water as more than a supply question. Many tie the state’s water future to its ability to grow, keep its economy strong, protect quality of life, and prosper for years to come.
Water Named the Most Urgent Issue.
Voters could pick only one issue from a broad list, so the result points to what feels most pressing right now rather than the only thing that matters. Even so, water came out on top.
“Water has always been fundamental to Arizona’s future, and this research shows voters see it that way,” said Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for the Future of Arizona. She said the state’s water decisions reach into the economy, communities, quality of life, and what will be possible for future generations.
Many Doubt the State Is Ready.
The research found deep unease about whether Arizona is prepared for what lies ahead. Seventy-one percent of voters said they are not confident the state’s water systems can reliably support future growth and extreme heat. Sixty-nine percent said they do not believe Arizona will have enough water over the long term to support residents, farming, and future economic growth.
That worry stretched across political parties and age groups.
The research group noted that these numbers measure public confidence, not the actual technical condition of Arizona’s water supplies or infrastructure. Whether the concern reflects real resource challenges, public understanding, or both, the findings point to a need for clear communication and credible long-term planning.
Paul Bentz, Vice President of Research and Strategy at HighGround, which conducted the survey, said the worry is not fading. “What I continue to see in polling is that concern from voters about Arizona’s water future is persistent and growing,” he said. He added that the state’s water expertise is spread across many agencies and organizations that can be hard for the public to follow, and that voters want leaders who can explain what is happening and what the plan is.
Where Voters Agree on Action.
Even with the worry, the study found clear common ground on steps the state could take. Seventy-eight percent of voters supported stronger groundwater protections in rural parts of Arizona that currently have fewer rules. That support included 68 percent of Republicans, 81 percent of independent or unaffiliated voters, and 87 percent of Democrats.
The same share, 78 percent, supported limiting new housing in areas without a guaranteed long-term water supply. That group included 72 percent of Republicans, 83 percent of independent or unaffiliated voters, and 83 percent of Democrats.
The Center for the Future of Arizona said the findings do not frame growth and water security as rivals. Instead, voters expect the state to plan for both.
“Arizona’s water future is inseparable from Arizona’s future,” Dr. Francis said. She pointed to the level of agreement as a reason for hope, saying voters are not starting from a place of division.
What Comes Next.
The Center for the Future of Arizona plans to release more issue-specific findings from the 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda through Aug. 20, including research on immigration, elections, and education. A second statewide survey is planned for later in August, with new findings and additional questions for candidates and leaders expected in September.
How the Survey Was Done.
The first of two statewide 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda surveys was conducted June 15 through 18, 2026. Pollsters at HighGround, Inc. surveyed 500 likely Arizona general election voters with a history of voting. Live interviews were held in English and Spanish by landline and cell phone. The sample was balanced to reflect expected turnout by party, age, region, and gender, with a partisan advantage set at 8 percentage points Republican based on past election trends. The margin of error was plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.
To be included in the Arizona Voters’ Agenda, a priority had to draw support from at least 50 percent of all likely voters, and at least 50 percent of Republicans, Democrats, independents or unaffiliated voters, and every age group.
The research was supported in part by Arizona State University, the Helios Education Foundation, the Pivotal Foundation, and the Thomas R. Brown Family Private Foundation.
