We’re making an economic case for why we must protect Arizona’s rivers, lakes, and streams —through investments to restore watersheds and wildlife habitat, as well as smart policies that improve Arizona’s water outlook.
We know that water is life in Arizona. The economic impact provided by the water supplies from our rivers and reservoirs is clear—just look at the large metropolitan areas, acres of agricultural production, and myriad industries supported by water in the West.
But what is the economic value of water flowing in our rivers, lakes, and streams?
To get at this question, 91°µÍø worked with Southwick Associates, an outdoor-focused research firm, to analyze the economic contributions associated with water-based outdoor recreation in Arizona, defined as doing the following activities on or along rivers, lakes, and streams in Arizona:
The assessed participation by Arizona residents and the time they spent recreating between September 2024 and August 2025. The study also estimated resident and non-resident spending on various water-based recreational activities to measure the economic contributions generated annually from rivers, lakes, and streams throughout the state.
Check out our new analysis in Spanish by clicking .
Comparatively, water-based outdoor recreation as an industry creates more economic output ($11.7 billion) than Arizona’s golf ($6 billion) or wine ($5.7 billion) industries. While mining creates more economic output ($21.2 billion), water-related outdoor recreation supports more employment throughout the state.
While we looked at the economics of outdoor recreation on Arizona’s rivers, lakes, and streams, we also know the intrinsic value and importance of these places culturally, historically, and spiritually. Those who have hiked the Grand Canyon and reached the Colorado River, watched thousands of Sandhill Cranes at Whitewater Draw in southern Arizona, or fished along the Black River in the White Mountains know that these are invaluable places. Water is rooted in the experiences that so many enjoy in Arizona—it defines much of the region’s history and culture.
Rivers, lakes, streams, and the habitat they support are critical for people, birds, fish, and other wildlife. Maintaining the integrity (the water quality and quantity) of these special places is crucial to our way of life in the arid West.
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