What is Arizona's major renewable water source aside from the Colorado River?

In Arizona, while groundwater and the Colorado River are significant components of the state's water supply, surface water is recognized as a primary renewable water source aside from the Colorado River. Surface water includes the water found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that can be replenished naturally through precipitation and runoff.

The state's surface water systems, particularly from rivers such as the Gila and Salt Rivers, play a crucial role in the overall water management strategy of Arizona. These sources are subject to regulation under Arizona's legal framework, which governs the allocation and use of water resources to ensure sustainable use. This renewable nature makes surface water a vital part of Arizona's approach to meet the rising demands for water in an arid environment.

Groundwater, while a significant source of water in Arizona, is not considered renewable in the same sense due to the depletion concern associated with its over-extraction. Desalinated water and rainwater capture techniques are also utilized, but they do not represent the major sources of renewable water in comparison to surface water, which is actively utilized and governed under the state's water law.