KAET CPB
Water Resource Issues

Where Does the Water Come From?

The water that flows from the faucet begins as snowflakes in a winter storm. When springtime temperatures rise, the snow begins to melt. It first collects in small streams and then spills down mountainsides, flowing into tributaries of rivers. In the southwesten United States it flows into the watershed of the Colorado, Salt, Gila, and Verde rivers.

Small stream near Flagstaff, AZ

Explore Arizona Lakes, Rivers, and Water Resources 

On the map, locate the path of the Colorado, Gila, Salt, and Verde rivers that bring water long distances across Arizona. Click the map to view it larger.

This image is a drawing to scale of the state of Arizona with all paths of water identified including rivers, streams and tributaries.
The western boundary line of the state is formed by the Colorado River. The primary tributaries feeding into the Colorado River are the Little Colorado River, the Bill Williams River and the Gila River. Both the Verde River and the Salt River meet in Maricopa County with the Gila River to travel west toward the Colorado River.

Take Notes    

In the Notes box below, answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. What river forms most of the Western border of Arizona?

2. Name two tributaries of the Gila River, including one in Maricopa County. 

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