What is Arizona's major renewable water source?

Arizona's major renewable water source is surface water. Surface water refers to water that is stored in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, and is replenished naturally through precipitation and runoff. In Arizona, significant surface water sources include the Colorado River and various regional rivers and reservoirs. These sources are critical for meeting the state's water needs, especially in a landscape where arid conditions prevail.

Groundwater, while an important resource, is considered a non-renewable source in many areas because it can be depleted faster than it can be naturally recharged. Desalinated water, although a growing focus for meeting water needs in coastal regions, is not a primary source in Arizona due to the state's geographical characteristics and infrastructure requirements. Rainwater is less reliable as a major source because its availability can be inconsistent and unpredictable, making it unsuitable as a primary water supply for a state that faces persistent drought conditions.

Therefore, the emphasis on surface water as Arizona's principal renewable source highlights the state's dependence on larger bodies of water that can sustain its requirements in a changing climate.