In Southern Arizona, the struggle for access to safe drinking water is a pressing concern for many, particularly those already vulnerable due to financial, physical, or other constraints. Despite residing in a region with established water infrastructure, distrust in the tap water supply remains high among residents.
These insights are drawn from a recent report by the Center for Regional Food Studies at the University of Arizona, in collaboration with the Arizona Water for All Network. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by researchers from Arizona’s state universities, aims to ensure equitable water access across the state. Megan A. Carney, who directs the Center for Regional Food Studies, leads the University of Arizona’s involvement in this initiative.
The report is based on community forums held over a year starting in early 2025, covering Pima, Cochise, and Santa Cruz counties. These discussions, hosted by local organizations such as family resource centers and health clinics, highlighted the daily realities of water insecurity faced by many residents.
“There are already many communities that are extremely vulnerable and experiencing water insecurity as a daily reality,” stated Carney, a professor in the School of Anthropology. She emphasized the importance of conducting research with cultural sensitivity and awareness of the potential impact on the communities involved.
Conducted in both English and Spanish, these forums included participation from over 100 individuals from low-income communities, providing a diverse range of perspectives on water insecurity.
Findings and Recommendations
The report distills the forum discussions into six primary findings:
- Trust in tap water is low. Participants expressed concerns over contaminated tap water, citing issues like lead presence and unpleasant odors or tastes, and the associated health risks.
- Purchasing safe water is burdensome. Many households reported spending an additional $20 to $80 monthly on bottled water beyond their utility bills.
- Water costs are escalating. Rising water bills, sometimes exceeding $100 monthly, were particularly challenging for renters unable to address plumbing issues independently.
- Concerns about Arizona’s water future. Many felt that conservation responsibilities were unfairly placed on individuals rather than large commercial entities.
- Desire to conserve water. Participants sought more guidance on effective water conservation and reuse strategies.
- Infrastructure challenges. Residents faced confusion over whom to contact for assistance when infrastructure failures occurred.
“People really felt like they were being kept in the dark or forgotten by those that are stewarding the water supply,” Carney noted.
To address these issues, the report offers four key recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders:
- Enhance transparency to build trust. Water utilities are encouraged to provide clear information about water sources and treatment methods, including plant tours and plain-language reports.
- Support household water conservation. Making water filters more accessible through subsidies and providing information on available filter types is recommended.
- Promote assistance programs. Many were unaware of existing programs like Tucson Water’s discounts and bill waivers, suggesting a need for targeted outreach efforts.
- Ensure community involvement. The report advocates for involving residents in discussions about Arizona’s water policies, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
“We need much broader, coordinated cross-sector, multi-agency responses that don’t isolate people or make them feel abandoned,” Carney added. “People are eager to be heard and to have their experiences made known.”
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