Arizona Municipal Water Users Association

What Arizona Municipal Water Users Association does

Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) is a non-profit association founded in 1969 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, that represents ten municipalities in Maricopa County: Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Collectively these cities serve 3.7 million residents—more than 50% of Arizona's population—while using only 11% of the state's water supply. AMWUA's function is advocacy, coordination, and education: it lobbies at the Arizona State Capitol, collaborates with agencies such as the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), and operates public-facing conservation programs through its website, blog, social media, and community events. The organization does not directly own or operate water infrastructure; rather, it represents cities whose collective infrastructure includes 30 water treatment plants, 18,000+ miles of water lines, 142,000 fire hydrants, and more than one million water meters.

Underlying technology associated with AMWUA member cities includes advanced water treatment systems such as Scottsdale's Advanced Water Treatment Plant (23 MGD capacity, 20 years of operation, producing water exceeding drinking standards via ozonation, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and UV disinfection) and the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant (the largest in the Southwest at 140 MGD average, 230 MGD capacity). The 91st Avenue facility also hosts the largest renewable natural gas plant of its kind in the United States, operated in partnership with Ameresco, converting methane biogas into renewable natural gas and generating over $1.2 million in annual revenue. AMWUA cities have collectively invested more than $400 million in underground aquifer storage, building reserves of 2.5+ million acre-feet, and have diversified their portfolios across Colorado River water (delivered via the Central Arizona Project's 336-mile canal system at 1.5 million acre-feet annually), Salt and Verde River water (via Salt River Project), reclaimed water, and groundwater.

AMWUA's business model is non-profit and dues-funded: its revenue derives from membership contributions by the ten member municipalities. The organization does not sell products or services to end consumers; individual member cities independently set residential and commercial water rates. AMWUA's value to members is collective representation in regulatory and legislative matters, shared policy positions on issues such as Colorado River shortage management and water conservation rebate tax parity, and a unified public-education platform. Strategic positioning is anchored in Arizona's 1980 Groundwater Management Act and the 100-year Assured Water Supply framework, which create structural barriers to entry for new water providers in AMWUA cities' service areas.

Name

Arizona Municipal Water Users Association

Legal name

Arizona Municipal Water Users Association

Website

https://amwua.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

AMWUA is a Phoenix-based non-profit association founded in 1969 that represents ten Maricopa County municipalities, serving 3.7 million Arizona residents through coordinated water policy advocacy, conservation programs, and regulatory engagement.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Municipal Water Utility Advocacy Services

NAICS

Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs (92411), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (924)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Resources Administration (Watersheds, Rivers, Groundwater) (BPAIAMAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Supply & Wastewater Utilities Administration (BPAIACAG), Water & Wastewater Compliance (NPDES/Stormwater, Pretreatment, Drinking Water/SDWA) (EUAHABAB)

Keywords

• Municipal water advocacy
• Water conservation programs
• Water policy coordination
• Urban water management
• Drought preparedness planning

Headquarters

HQ city

Phoenix

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Municipal Membership/Association Dues: AMWUA is a non-profit association funded by its ten member municipalities (Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe). The organization advocates for responsible water stewardship and coordinates among member cities on water policy, infrastructure, and conservation initiatives.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

AMWUA is a non-profit association of ten municipalities in Maricopa County, Arizona that collectively serves 3.7 million residents. It advocates for water policy at the Arizona State Capitol and in federal forums, coordinates joint water supply, storage, and infrastructure strategies among its member cities, and delivers water conservation education, professional resources, and public outreach programs to residents, businesses, and landscape professionals across the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Product overview

Arizona Municipal Water Users Association is a non-profit association of ten municipalities in Maricopa County, Arizona, serving over 3.7 million people (more than 50% of the state's population). The organization does not offer a unified software product but rather provides a portfolio of water management services including conservation and efficiency programs, water supply advocacy, underground aquifer storage programs, drought and shortage preparedness planning, professional resources for businesses and landscape professionals, and educational content through the AMWUA Blog. Infrastructure services include the Sub-Regional Operating Group (SROG) wastewater partnership, Scottsdale's Advanced Water Treatment Plant capable of direct potable reuse, the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the renewable natural gas plant. The organization also advocates for water conservation rebate tax parity and Colorado River shortage management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Conservation & Efficiency Programs Coordinated water conservation and efficiency program for residents, businesses, and institutions across the ten member cities, providing tips, videos, rebates guidance, and best management practices.
• Water Supply Management & Security Advocacy Advocacy, planning, and coordination of diversified water supplies — including Colorado River water, Salt and Verde Rivers, reclaimed water, and groundwater — for ten Phoenix metro municipalities.
• Underground Storage Programs Coordinated aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) program allowing member cities to store Colorado River water and recycled water underground through Long-Term Storage Credits for later recovery during shortages.
• Colorado River Shortage Management Advocacy, planning, and member-city coordination in response to reduced Colorado River water supplies, including preparation for post-2026 water allocation reductions.
• Drought & Shortage Preparedness Long-term planning, scenario modeling, and drought preparedness resources to ensure reliable water supplies for member cities during extended drought conditions.
• Professional Resources Program Training, certifications, and resource materials for landscape professionals, businesses, institutions, HOAs, and educators on water conservation and efficiency practices.
• Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Advocacy Federal and state advocacy to exempt water conservation rebates from federal income tax, coordinated with the Coalition to Promote Water Conservation and partner water agencies.
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Education Public education program providing resources on preventing stormwater pollution through proper pet waste disposal, vehicle maintenance, lawn care, and household chemical management.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3.7 million people served (50%+ of Arizona's population)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• National Forest FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026SRP partnered with National Forest Foundation for $500,000 per year to thin 3,600 acres in Tonto National Forest to protect watershed and water supply quality.
• AmerescocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2019Ameresco built and operates the renewable natural gas plant at 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, converting methane biogas into natural gas. Largest facility of its kind in the US, reducing carbon footprint and generating over $1.2M annual revenue.
• Coalition to Promote Water Conservation (CPWC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Ad hoc coalition of large water agencies coordinating tax parity advocacy nationally. Includes Alliance for Water Efficiency, American Water Works Association, and Western Urban Water Coalition among others.
• Northern Arizona Forest FundminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Partnership of U.S. Forest Service, National Forest Foundation, and SRP dedicated to maintaining healthy forests and trails surrounding Salt and Verde rivers. Phoenix approved $600,000 three-year grant in 2015.
• Salt River Project (SRP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSRP is the largest provider of water to the Phoenix metropolitan area, operating eight dams, seven reservoirs, and 131 miles of canals bringing water from Salt and Verde rivers. SRP provides 53% of water portfolio for AMWUA cities and serves water to 375-square-mile area. AMWUA cities support SRP's watershed forest management and thinning efforts.
• Central Arizona Project (CAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAP delivers Colorado River water through 336 miles of canals to central and southern Arizona. Delivers 1.5 million acre-feet annually representing 44% of Arizona's water supply. AMWUA cities have allocations for Colorado River water delivered via CAP.
• Sub-Regional Operating Group (SROG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSROG is a partnership between Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe collectively owning the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, the largest in the Southwest. The plant treats 140 MGD average, with capacity for 230 MGD.
• The Nature ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Nature Conservancy joined efforts to keep more water in Salt and Verde rivers through the Salt and Verde Rivers Water Fund, aiming to raise $7 million over three years to fund projects protecting rivers for Valley and Verde Valley communities.
• Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADWR oversees underground storage, maintains Long-Term Storage Credits accounts, and implements the Groundwater Management Act. Coordinates on 100-year Assured Water Supply programs and Active Management Area regulations.
• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADEQ regulates wastewater treatment plants and issued Arizona's first permit for direct potable reuse to Scottsdale Water. Working with cities on advanced water purification standards.
• Palo Verde Nuclear Generating StationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLargest nuclear power facility in the US, cooled entirely by treated wastewater from 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant. Provides electricity for 4 million people and pays cities for effluent at escalating rates (from $60 to $200 per acre-foot).
• Alliance for Water EfficiencyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization coordinating local water conservation efforts. AMWUA staff coordinates through the Alliance on tax parity advocacy efforts for water conservation rebates.
• Northern Arizona Municipal Water Users AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorthern Arizona counterpart that adopted resolutions supporting water conservation rebate tax parity and sent letters to Arizona's congressional delegation.
• Southern Arizona Water Users AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouthern Arizona counterpart that adopted resolutions supporting water conservation rebate tax parity and sent letters to Arizona's congressional delegation.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Central Arizona Project: Major Colorado River water-delivery infrastructure provider whose canal system delivers 1.5 MAF/year constituting ~44% of Arizona's water supply to AMWUA members. Core enabler/partner for AMWUA cities rather than a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• American Water Works Association: The largest international non-profit scientific and educational organization dedicated to water supply. Broader and incumbent versus AMWUA, covering the entire drinking water industry but sharing the advocacy, education, and standard-setting mission.
• Water Environment Federation: Global non-profit technical and educational organization for water quality professionals. Highly relevant given AMWUA's wastewater and water-reuse focus (91st Avenue Plant is a SROG flagship) but covers a broader wastewater/water-quality remit.

Regional players

• California Municipal Utilities Association: California statewide trade association representing municipal water and electric utilities, including those confronting similar drought/Colorado-system pressures. Parallel governance model and advocacy focus to AMWUA, scaled to a larger state.
• Southern Arizona Water Users Association: Southern Arizona counterpart membership association representing municipal water providers in Pima and surrounding counties. Directly comparable governance model (non-profit advocacy for municipal water providers) and active coalition partner with AMWUA on tax-parity advocacy.
• Northern Arizona Municipal Water Users Association: Northern Arizona counterpart membership association advocating for municipal water providers. Similar non-profit, dues-funded governance structure and active coalition partner on federal legislative advocacy alongside AMWUA.

Direct peers

• WateReuse Association: National non-profit focused exclusively on water reuse, including direct potable reuse—AMWUA's flagship resilience play via Scottsdale's Advanced Water Treatment Plant. Direct overlap on the same regulatory and policy priorities around expanding reclaimed water use.
• National Association of Water Companies: National trade association representing private and public water utilities. Comparable advocacy and policy-coordination mission focused on investor-owned and large municipal water providers, particularly on federal regulatory engagement.
• Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies: National non-profit association of the largest publicly-owned drinking water utilities in the US. Highly comparable mission—advocacy, technical resources, and policy coordination for large municipal water providers serving major US metros.
• Western Urban Water Coalition: Coalition of western urban water agencies (including AMWUA members via the Coalition to Promote Water Conservation) advocating on Colorado River and federal water policy. Directly comparable advocacy mandate and stakeholder base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AMWUA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCcswvKVTtcxkwRUUvurJv_Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/amwua
• Instagraminstagram.com/amwua.arizona
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/arizona-municipal-water-users-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Arizona Municipal Water Users Association