What sector consumes the most water in Arizona?

Agriculture is the sector that consumes the most water in Arizona due to the state's significant agricultural industry, which relies heavily on water for irrigation. Arizona's climate is arid, making water a critical resource for growing crops. The agriculture sector, including the production of cotton, alfalfa, and various fruits and vegetables, accounts for a substantial portion of the state's water use.

The reliance on irrigation for farming in a desert environment necessitates extensive water usage, which is why agriculture surpasses other sectors in overall consumption. While the municipal and residential sectors also use considerable amounts of water, they do not match the scale of agricultural water use. As a result, the agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in the context of water law and management in Arizona.