Part 5/12:
Historically, agriculture consumed the lion's share of Arizona's water—around 90% in 1980—especially in farming of thirstier crops like alfalfa and cotton. Although urban water use has increased due to population growth (Phoenix now has about 4.8 million residents), conservation efforts have reduced per capita water consumption by approximately 29% since 1990.
Farmers, many of whom are Native Americans with longstanding cultural ties to the land, play a vital role and are entitled to their rights. Transitioning agricultural practices to more water-efficient methods, such as drip irrigation, is essential, especially in a megadrought that has persisted for three decades, the worst in over 500 years.