Arizona needs its next water giant

One of Arizona’s greatest success stories is one we don’t tell nearly enough: our leadership in water management.

It’s a fact that surprises many: Arizona actually uses less water today than it did in the 1960s, despite our population multiplying several times over. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because Arizona’s leaders acted decisively—planning, investing, and innovating to secure our state’s water future.

We often talk about “standing on the shoulders of giants,” and when it comes to water, our state has had its share. Carl Hayden shepherded the Central Arizona Project through Congress. Mo Udall provided the political muscle to make it happen. Bruce Babbitt carried out critical reforms as governor. Jon Kyl spent his Senate career protecting Arizona’s share of the Colorado River.

These leaders weren’t thinking about the next election—they were thinking about the next generation.

Now, we find ourselves at another crossroads. The Colorado River is stretched. States are negotiating its future. And as you may have seen, the White House recently scrapped the nomination of a top Arizona water expert after disagreements over how to move forward.

These aren’t abstract debates—they directly affect Arizona’s economy, its competitiveness, and our ability to continue growing.

What Arizona needs today is another “giant”—someone in our federal delegation who can carry forward the legacy of Hayden, Udall, Babbitt, and Kyl. The opportunity is there. With Republicans holding the gavel in the House and Arizona’s senators exercising real influence in the Senate, the moment is ripe for an Arizona leader to step up.

Never has it been more important to have a strong, steady advocate for Arizona on water policy at the federal level. We need a voice in Washington pushing for the resources, collaboration, and long-term planning that will secure our water future—not just for today’s economy, but for the generations that will inherit it.

The Chamber is committed to keeping water at the top of the national agenda. But history tells us it takes champions in Washington who understand the stakes, can navigate the politics, and will keep Arizona’s interests front and center.

Arizona has proven time and again that it can lead on water—the question now is who will take up that mantle, meet the moment, and become our state’s next water giant.

Danny Seiden is the president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. 

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