About Us

To safeguard the health, safety and economic welfare of the public by protecting, conserving and enhancing Arizona's water supplies in a bold, thoughtful and innovative manner. 

Reliable water supplies to meet the needs of current and future Arizonans

 

Values


Quality

We commit to the highest standards of technical expertise and professionalism.


Integrity

We act with integrity.


Empowerment

We encourage employees to be problem solvers.

 


Vigilance

We are vigilant in protecting the State's water rights and supplies.


Leadership and Collaboration

We engage with Arizona's water community and provide leadership in developing innovative solutions to conserve and augment the State's water supplies.

 


Continuous Improvement

We strive to innovate, streamline processes, add value and increase productivity.


Confidence

We build confidence by providing timely services and accurate information and promoting consensus-based options that create water supply resiliency.

 

 

Tom Buschatzke speaking at Arizona State University

Tom Buschatzke

Director

Before his appointment as the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources in January 2015, Mr. Buschatzke was the Assistant Director for the Department’s Water Planning Division. In that role, he oversaw many of the agency’s programs including Active Management Areas, Assured and Adequate Water Supply, Colorado River Management, Planning and Data Management, Recharge, and Statewide Planning.

As Director, Mr. Buschatzke serves as Arizona’s principal negotiator on matters relating to the Colorado River, as the Chairman of the Arizona Water Banking Authority, and as Co-Chair of the Drought Inter-Agency Coordinating Council. He also represents the State in tribal water-rights negotiations. Currently, Mr. Buschatzke chairs Governor Ducey’s Water Augmentation Council which investigates long-term water augmentation strategies and other opportunities to secure water supplies for Arizona’s future.

 

Quotes

  • "Arizona has created a robust water management structure to maximize its resources and to create and control its own destiny to the maximum extent possible."

    Tom Buschatzke
    Director

    "Arizona’s proactive actions to conserve water in Lake Mead have paid off…"

    Jeff Flake
    Former U.S. Senator

    "If there's one thing Arizona is the best in the nation at - it's water."

    Doug Ducey
    23rd Governor of Arizona (2015 - 2023)