Generating solutions for Arizona’s water and climate resilience

Driving measurable impacts to support Arizona’s water security through technological developments, partnerships and applied research


The Arizona Water Innovation Initiative is a statewide project led by the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory in collaboration with Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Through this initiative, ASU works with industrial, municipal, agricultural, tribal and international partners to rapidly accelerate and deploy new approaches and technology for water conservation, augmentation, desalination, efficiency, infrastructure and reuse.

The state of Arizona invested $40 million in ASU to lead this multi-year initiative that helps ensure a regional thriving future with a secure future water supply. The Arizona Water Innovation Initiative expands the work ASU is already doing in hydrology, engineering, policy and management throughout Arizona and across the Southwest and scales those advancements to implement evidence-based solutions.

 

image of arizona mountains and streams in the shape of the state

Our impact

The Arizona Water Innovation Initiative is a statewide project led by the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory in collaboration with the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Through this imitative, ASU works with industrial, municipal, agricultural, tribal and international partners to rapidly accelerate and deploy new approaches and technology for water conservation, augmentation, desalination, efficiency, infrastructure and reuse.

YIR

2024 year in review

We are proud to be contributing our expertise and research to wide-reaching water solutions. Learn about our biggest accomplishments and forward-looking plans in our latest publication.

View 2024 highlights 

Arizona water information

For residents

For journalists

For educators

For decision-makers

Technology impact

2


technology testbeds

9


patents

21


tools and products

5


spin off companies

47


new jobs

Partnership impact

15,795


Residents and communities

36


Arizona businesses

15


State agencies

143


Events

25


Events with rural and Tribal communities

71


Projects statewide

Applied research impact

2,062


Students

150


Research staff and graduated students

75


Faculty

71


Projects

7


Certificates and courses for workforce development

Our programs


This initiative is being implemented rapidly to meet the pressing nature of our state's unprecedented water challenges. It's more vital than ever that we all - communities and residents of the greater Southwestern region - work together on shared goals to affect change.

The Arizona Water Innovation Initiative, funded to ideate and innovate solutions over a multi-year period, is focusing on five key strategic areas.

Water pouring into canal

Global Center for Water Technology

Improving water efficiency and quality with technology

This center discovers and demonstrate scalable solutions for industrial, municipal and agricultural sectors throughout the state of Arizona and produces tangible results including inventions, patents and related startup companies, plus develops and supports field-scale testbeds.

professionals in front of several horizontal monitors

Center for Hydrologic Innovations

Revolutionizing water measurement, modeling and prediction

The Center for Hydrologic Innovations revolutionizes water measurement, modeling and prediction and provides data necessary to identify critical risks, vulnerabilities and capabilities in hydrologic systems.

A large southwestern reservoir.

Kyl Center for Water Policy

Building consensus on sound water stewardship

The Kyl Center for Water Policy at Morrison Institute promotes research, analysis, collaboration and dialogue to build consensus on sound water stewardship for Arizona and the West.

A workshop scene at a community center.

Impact Water - Arizona

Catalyzing community understanding, engagement and capacity

This program catalyzes community understanding and engagement in Arizona's water challenges and potential solutions. It includes five integrated workstreams focused on policy impact, inclusive engagement, science and technology translation, immersive experiences and water futures.

Arizona Water for All

Arizona Water for All

Measurably advancing water security in Arizona's most water-insecure households

This program works with Arizona's most water- insecure households to improve water security and engagement in water decision-making using community-based participatory approaches.

 

The Arizona Water Innovation Initiative will strengthen water resilience while enhancing economic competitiveness, supporting high-value job creation and recruiting and retaining leading industries.

Michael M. Crow, ASU President

Michael M. Crow, ASU President

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