July 13 reporting showed drought pressure moving from long-term forecasts into visible impacts across Arizona and the Upper Basin.
In southern Arizona, the San Pedro River recorded zero flow at a key monitoring point near Sierra Vista. The Arizona Republic reported that the river ran dry there for only the second time in 122 years of records. The San Pedro is one of Arizona’s last free-flowing rivers, and dry conditions along the river show how drought, groundwater pumping, and heat can affect local ecosystems.
Scottsdale continued reviewing its long-term water planning. KJZZ reported that city officials are preparing for possible Colorado River cuts, including a possible large water-use ordinance. KJZZ reported that Scottsdale relies on Colorado River water for about 70% of its supply, with some parts of the city depending on it even more. The city has also purchased water credits from Harquahala Valley and uses advanced water treatment and recharge as part of its water planning.
Arizona also extended groundwater-related support in Pinal County. AZ Free News reported that state lawmakers extended Pinal groundwater fee relief and irrigation project funding through 2030. The funding is tied to agricultural water planning in a region that has already faced reductions to Colorado River supplies.
Water demand from data centers remained part of the state’s water debate. The Cool Down reported that Arizona paused data center tax breaks for three years after public concern over water and power use. The issue shows how large technology projects are becoming part of water planning as the state considers future growth.
In the Upper Basin, Colorado water groups are working to keep more water in rivers during extreme drought. Steamboat Pilot & Today reported on efforts by the Colorado Water Trust to support river flows, including work connected to the Yampa River and reservoir releases.
The Salt Lake Tribune also reported on a new study measuring how much water Flaming Gorge Reservoir loses to evaporation. That information could help water managers better understand reservoir losses as Lake Powell and other parts of the system remain under pressure.
The July 13 reports show drought affecting the Basin in several ways at once. Rivers are drying in Arizona, cities are preparing for reduced Colorado River supplies, Pinal County agriculture remains tied to groundwater planning, data center growth is drawing water concerns, and Upper Basin managers are studying how to protect river flows and account for reservoir evaporation.
What does this mean for CRIT?
For CRIT, these reports show why water planning must include both river supplies and local conditions. The San Pedro River’s zero-flow reading shows how drought and groundwater pressure can affect rivers on the ground, not just reservoir levels.
The Scottsdale and Pinal County reports also show how Arizona communities are preparing for shortages through water credits, recharge, groundwater policy, and conservation planning. CRIT’s senior Colorado River rights are different from those tools, but regional decisions around storage, groundwater, and conservation can still shape future water policy discussions.
For CRIT, this connects to the importance of protecting senior rights while maintaining the infrastructure and planning needed to use water as Basin conditions change. CRIT’s Water Code and Water Resiliency Act help guide that work, while the Personhood Resolution reflects the Tribe’s cultural and environmental connection to the Colorado River.
Sources
Arizona Republic
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2026/07/11/arizona-san-pedro-river-runs-dry-at-key-monitoring-gauge/90883098007/
AZ Free News
https://azfreenews.com/2026/07/arizona-extends-pinal-groundwater-fee-relief-irrigation-project-funding-through-2030/
The Cool Down
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/arizona-data-centers-tax-breaks-hold/
Steamboat Pilot & Today
https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/colorado-water-trust-drought-yampa-river-ruedi-reservoir/
Salt Lake Tribune
https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2026/07/13/new-evaporation-study-launches/