The Verde River is one of the last perennial flowing desert streams in Arizona, located in the geographic center of the state. Its flow originates from aquifers and ephemeral washes in the Paulden area. The river then picks up flow as it intersects perennial tributaries and connected aquifers throughout the Verde River watershed, flowing over 190 miles to its confluence with the Salt River. With over 57 miles designated under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, the Verde watershed has many beneficial uses, including water supply, recreation, and habitat. As it approaches the confluence with the Salt River, it is impounded by Horseshoe and Bartlett dams to be used as a crucial water supply for the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The Verde River has important ecological, economic, and cultural significance for Arizona and the nation.
The Verde River is a vital economic engine for the local communities, supporting a diverse range of industries including recreation, tourism, and agriculture. These rural communities depend upon the Verde River for drinking water and recreation, while about 40 percent of the surface water delivered by the Salt River Project to Metropolitan Phoenix comes from the Verde River. The river not only provides valuable water, but also drives the local economy through river-connected tourism valued at $87.5 million.
The Verde River Watershed also hosts significant wildlife and plant diversity, supporting 270 species of birds, 94 species of mammals, 76 species of amphibians, and dozens of threatened and endangered species including reptiles, amphibians, birds, snails, and fish.
The Verde River and its springs are essential to the cultures and traditions of many native peoples from the ancient Sinagua and Hohokam peoples to present day Yavapai, Hopi, Apache, Zuni, and other tribes. Numerous archaeological sites spanning many hundreds of years can be found along its length.
Since the release of the 2020 Report Card, collaborative efforts have targeted projects to improve the resiliency of the Verde River Watershed and its communities. Projects in the uplands have worked to reduce erosion and sediment transport into the river, improving water and habitat quality. Agricultural infrastructure improvements have enhanced water efficiency and reduced the amount of water diverted from the river, supporting both farming and river health. A comprehensive water quality monitoring plan was developed and implemented, leading to more consistent and reliable data across the watershed. Invasive plant removal has restored native vegetation and improved riparian habitat, while stormwater management initiatives have helped mitigate runoff and protect water resources. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to integrated watershed stewardship. As we face ongoing challenges from groundwater pumping, habitat degradation, and climate change, the 2025 Report Card offers a renewed vision for sustaining the Verde River and the communities that depend on it.