The Arizona Senate read a legislative proclamation on the floor declaring April 26–May 2, 2026, as Arizona Water Professionals Week.
The proclamation, read aloud by a legislative reader, described Arizona’s reliance on “diverse water resources, including groundwater preserved in vast underground aquifers, mountain snowmelt, and stormwater runoff,” and noted that the state has “pioneered innovations such as water banking, water recharge, and expanding the use of reclaimed water to replenish aquifers.” The document names Sen. Rosanna Gabaldon among its sponsors and lists other signatories.
Senator Tim Dunn introduced an intern, Harper Ostrich, who he said is a freshman at the University of Arizona studying environmental policy and is shadowing him for the day. After the proclamation reading, a senator who addressed the chamber praised water professionals across the state, invited colleagues to attend the Arizona Water Association conference (scheduled for April 26–May 2), and congratulated Trey Harris of the Community Water Company of Green Valley on an award.
Why it matters: Arizona’s water systems — from groundwater basins to river diversions and reclaimed water projects — underpin agriculture, industry and municipal supplies. The proclamation cites the range of careers and technical work that support those systems and encourages lawmakers to engage with practitioners at the regional conference.
The floor did not take formal legislative action on water policy during the reading; the proclamation was recorded and entered into the Senate journal. The Senate proceeded afterward with other floor business and adjourned to meet next on Wednesday, 03/25/2026 at 1:15 p.m.