Impact Water – Arizona
Building water resilience
Impact Water – Arizona directly funds projects and supports ASU faculty and staff in implementing engagement activities and developing use-inspired research and tools to address Arizona’s water challenges. Spearheaded by the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, the program operates in partnership with the Kyl Center for Water Policy and the Decision Theater.
Project Cities partnered with Impact Water – Arizona beginning in 2023 with a multigenerational workshop in the Verde Valley that brought together municipal leaders, K–12 educators, and community members from rural areas to collaborate on community-based water solutions. What began as a workshop focused on strengthening local resilience and advancing sustainable water practices has continued to grow through 2026, with partnerships with two rural water alliances. Through these ongoing partnerships, ASU students, local leaders, and community members continue working together to support long-term water resilience and innovative rural water initiatives across Arizona.
Rural Water Decision-Making Framework
2023-2025
In March 2024, Project Cities organized a multigenerational workshop in the Verde Valley, bringing municipal leaders, K-12 educators, and community members from rural areas. This unique event, designed to foster collaboration for a resilient water future, features community-based projects. In fall 2024 and spring 2025, the projects will be executed by ASU students and community members.
Implementation highlight: Camp Verde Rainwater Demonstration Garden
In addition to student research and planning efforts, the partnership includes implementation-focused projects that demonstrate practical approaches to water conservation and watershed stewardship. One example included a community rain garden developed in collaboration with the Town of Camp Verde and Watershed Management Group, helping connect local residents with hands-on strategies for sustainable water management.
Impact Water – Arizona projects
Sulphur Springs Water Alliance
Students explored youth engagement strategies focused on water conservation and sustainability in Arizona communities facing long-term water challenges. Through research and community-based approaches, students developed ideas for educational and outreach initiatives that encourage young people to actively participate in promoting sustainable water use practices.
Graphic design students collaborated with the Sulphur Springs Water Alliance to develop marketing and outreach materials that promote water sustainability, conservation, and community engagement across southeastern Arizona. Students evaluated existing branding and communication strategies, conducted audience and case study research, and designed accessible materials such as logos, brochures, posters, social media graphics, and educational campaign content tailored to diverse community audiences.
Building Rural Water Capacity Through Design and Youth Engagement
Water Alliance of La Paz County
Master of Sustainability Leadership students researched future water scenarios for La Paz County to examine how growth in agriculture, tourism, and other industries could affect local water resources and community well-being. Through scenario mapping and community engagement, students identified potential challenges and opportunities related to balancing economic development with sustainable water use.
Envisioning Sustainable Water Futures in La Paz County
Town of Camp Verde
Master of Public Affairs students collaborated with the Town of Camp Verde to examine challenges, opportunities, and best practices related to municipal water conservation and stormwater management in the Verde Valley watershed. Students developed recommendations to inform local ordinances and created strategies for education, communication, and community engagement targeting youth, residents, retirees, and visitors.
Strategies for Sustainable Water Management & Policy Innovation
Town of Clarkdale
Students collaborated with the Town of Clarkdale to research strategies and best practices for communicating STEAM concepts related to regional water challenges in an outdoor park setting. They designed and proposed visual communication elements for Selna Mongini Park aimed at increasing awareness and inspiring action among youth and adult audiences.
Graduate Technical Communication students collaborated with the Town of Clarkdale to explore effective ways to visually communicate key aspects of the local water system, including aquifer health, system operations, and water conservation efforts. Students developed Water Visualization Portfolios featuring communication materials such as report-card style flyers, infographics, videos, and social media content to educate residents and support community awareness around water resources.
In the news
Revitalizing community: A new STEAM Park brings community together through water education
ASU News,
January 28, 2026
Clarkdale is creating an innovative community space that engages youth and adults in hands-on STEAM learning through partnerships with residents, local leaders, donors, and ASU’s Project Cities program.
Town of Camp Verde, Watershed Management, and ASU Project Cities Partner Hosts Rainwater Demonstration Garden Workshop
Sedona.Biz,
April 2022, 2025
The Town of Camp Verde, Watershed Management, and Arizona State University’s (ASU) Project Cities program are proud to announce the conclusion of their joint Rainwater Demonstration Garden and Rainwater Harvesting Tank Installation Workshop, which took place on April 3, 2025.
Empowering voices in rural communities: Supporting inclusive community engagement for water decision-making
ASU News,
June 4, 2024
Project Cities partnered with rural Verde Valley communities to advance inclusive, community-driven water solutions by bringing together residents, local leaders, and water practitioners through collaborative workshops supported by Impact Water – Arizona and the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative.