Water

The last time it rained in Phoenix was 145 days ago, which means we are in the third longest dry streak in our city’s history. When it comes to our city’s water supply, it doesn’t really matter — at least not yet.

Entering her third year in office, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs told lawmakers to focus on cutting costs for Arizonans who have faced an increasing cost of living in a state that used to be known for its affordability.

Gov. Katie Hobbs will deliver her third State of the State address Monday afternoon, and lawmakers have no shortage of issues to tackle this year.

The site of former Tempe water park Big Surf will now serve as the site of a large industrial park.

Tucson City Councilmembers voted to approve a proposal to use some $86 million worth of Bureau of Reclamation funding to build the new treatment facility and save Colorado River water as a result.

There's a rural area in Arizona with massive groundwater basins underneath the earth. Water should be plentiful there, but wells are running dry. Today on the show, what's behind the water issues in rural Arizona? Related episodes:Why Midwest crop farmers are having a logistics problem (Apple / Spotify) Why the US government is buying more apples than ever (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.

The border city of Nogales is getting a long-awaited update to its wastewater treatment plant. It’s the first upgrade in15 years, and is expected to cost about $40 million.

The Town of Gilbert plans to conduct valve testing as part of a sewer rehabilitation project on Monday. While there will be no disruption of water services, the work activity may affect residents’ water in another way.

Tucson Water is piloting a new program at its Sweetwater Wetlands and recharge facility to cut down on excess vegetation that hinders its water reclamation system.

Disagreement, bickering, and uncertainty defined 2024 for the Southwest's shrinking water supply.