About Us
The Arizona Department of Water Resources is the steward of Arizona's water future and ensures long-term, reliable water supplies to support the continued economic prosperity of the State.
It is essential that our State continues to play a prominent role protecting Arizona's groundwater and surface water supplies for future generations.
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
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.
Programs
The 24 Programs that help protect Arizona's water supplies for current and future generations.
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 BuschatzkeDirector"Arizona’s proactive actions to conserve water in Lake Mead have paid off…"
Jeff FlakeFormer U.S. Senator"If there's one thing Arizona is the best in the nation at - it's water."
Doug DuceyGovernor of Arizona