The Arizona Chapter
There are currently two WLI chapters in Arizona, one in Southern Arizona and a Northern Arzona cohort to pilot in 2026. Both cohorts provide a unique opportunity to learn more about water in Arizona and find community with others passionate about water leadership. Arizona chapters span across the US-Mexico border and sovereign nations creating connections that facilitate multinational collaboration.
Southern Arizona
In fall 2024, both the South Tucson and Nogales Cohorts went on a Santa Cruz River trip. The trip included stops at the Border Wall and Nogales Wash, Tumacacori and Water Quality Testing, San Xavier District, and Santa Cruz Heritage Project.
In fall 2025, the Arizona Chapter hosted workshops across various locations, including (1) the Santa Cruz River Heritage Project in Cuk Son (Tucson), (2) the San Xavier District of the Tohono O’Odham Nation, (3) the Tumacácori National Historic Monument, (4) the Borderlands Restoration Network’s Native Seed Barn in Patagonia, and (5) the Wittner Museum in Nogales.
What to Expect
Past workshops organized participants have included:
• Reflecting on personal experiences and the experiences shared by WLI speakers, facilitators, and other participants.
• Connecting through dialogue, art, and hands-on experience while visiting different water-related sites in southern Arizona.
• Creating and sharing a Zine page about personal water leadership stories and personal relationships to water.
Curriculum Themes
Theme 1: Historical Context
Guiding Question: How have people in the past shaped the way we live and relate to water today?
Learning Objective: Explore how past decisions and actions have shaped the current conditions of the watershed and surrounding communities.
Theme 2: WASH Pathways
Guiding Question: How do systems past and present impact water access, sanitation, and hygiene?
Learning Objective: Understand the fundamental building blocks of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and their connection to environmental justice.
Theme 3: Transboundary Resilience
Guiding Question: What makes Arizona unique and what opportunities and responsibilities come with sharing water across borders?
Learning Objective: Explore the unique challenges and possibilities that arise from a transboundary river system.
Theme 4: Leadership
Guiding Question: How might I continue to show up as a water leader in my community?
Learning Objective: Reflect on your personal leadership style, strengths, relationships, and interests, and identify ways to apply your learning to advocate for water justice.
Northern Arizona
In spring 2026, Northern Arizona University’s Water, Society, and Policy Lab, EDF, and Arizona Water for ALL will pilot a cohort in Northern Arizona with a broad focus on the Colorado Plateau. Here, WLI will take a new format as it will blend asynchronous learning workshops with field visits, and an overnight retreat. In Northern Arizona, WLI topics will focus on Surface and Groundwater Policy, Cross-Sector Collaboration, Leading through Uncertainty, and Water Stewardship. The Northern Arizona Cohort is in active planning phases, if you’re interested in being involved or joining as a participant, please fill out the AZ Interest Form. What to Expect
“I met an important connection at this event. We are going to collaborate on large scale watershed/cultural restoration together.”
– Coyote (Jonah), 2024 Water Leadership Institute Fall Cohort Member
News & Blogs
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Arizona’s emerging water leaders: Looking toward the future
I have spent the last two years as the community engagement specialist for Arizona Water for All, a pillar of the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative.
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In the Wild West of water, residents set politics aside to protect their future
When Steve Kisiel was looking at property in the high desert east of Tucson, Arizona, he made sure to check out the water situation first. There was no city water in this rural area, so he knew he would need a good well.
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EDF applauds Arizona Governor Hobbs’ historic investments in water supply protection
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs today announced a $60.3 million investment to protect Arizona’s water supply, focusing on conservation, advanced technology, infrastructure improvements, and water sustainability to address critical water challenges across the state.
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New Water Institute Will Support Youth Leadership on Key Climate Challenges Affecting Borderland Communities
A new, free leadership program in South Tucson and Ambos Nogales will offer a unique opportunity for young leaders in the US-Mexico borderland region to explore water challenges in their communities and beyond.
Water Leadership Institute 