Getting Water to Wildlife in Need

In Arizona’s rugged deserts, mountains, and forests, water is one of the most valuable natural resources for wildlife. During periods of drought, extreme summer heat, and limited rainfall, dependable water sources often determine whether wildlife can survive and thrive. Wildlife Water Works was founded with one simple but powerful mission: to ensure Arizona’s wildlife always has access to clean, reliable water when it is needed most.

We are a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to supporting, maintaining, repairing, and developing wildlife water systems throughout Arizona. Every gallon of water delivered, every catchment repaired, and every volunteer hour invested helps sustain the incredible diversity of wildlife that calls Arizona home.

For centuries, people have understood the importance of collecting and storing water in the Southwest. Long before modern communities existed, Native peoples engineered remarkable water collection systems to survive Arizona’s challenging climate. Today, wildlife depends on many of those same principles.

Wildlife water developments—often called guzzlers, trick tanks, or wildlife catchments—capture precious rainwater and snowmelt, storing it until animals need it most. These systems provide life-saving water for countless species during dry seasons when natural springs and streams disappear.

Without routine maintenance, however, these critical systems can fail. Storage tanks crack, drinkers leak, pipes clog, aprons deteriorate, and water supplies can quickly disappear. Wildlife Water Works exists to make sure these essential water sources continue serving Arizona’s wildlife for generations to come.

When most people think of wildlife water projects, they picture deer or elk. In reality, every functioning water source supports an entire ecosystem.

Our water systems benefit:

Elk
Mule Deer
Pronghorn Antelope
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Black Bear
Mountain Lions
Coyotes
Bobcats
Wild Turkey
Javelina
Raptors and Songbirds
Quail
Reptiles
Amphibians
Pollinators including bees and butterflies
Countless other native Arizona wildlife

A single water source may provide life-sustaining water for hundreds of animals every week.

Wildlife Water Works focuses on projects that create measurable conservation results across Arizona.

Our work includes:

Refilling wildlife water catchments during drought conditions
Repairing aging wildlife water systems
Replacing damaged storage tanks, drinkers, valves, and pipelines
Building new wildlife water developments where needed
Maintaining remote water collection systems
Delivering emergency water during severe dry periods
Transporting equipment and materials into remote locations
Working alongside conservation partners, land managers, sportsmen, and volunteers
Educating the public about wildlife conservation and responsible stewardship

Every project places boots on the ground where wildlife needs them most.

Wildlife conservation is strongest when communities work together.

Our organization is built on volunteers, donors, conservationists, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, businesses, and families who believe Arizona’s wildlife deserves every opportunity to thrive.

Whether someone donates $20 toward a load of water, sponsors fuel for a delivery truck, volunteers during a repair project, or attends one of our fundraising events, every contribution directly supports wildlife conservation.

Together, we can accomplish far more than any one organization could alone.

Every donation helps us continue our mission across Arizona.

Your support helps provide:

Water deliveries to remote wildlife catchments
Fuel for trucks and trailers
Equipment maintenance and repairs
Replacement tanks and plumbing components
New wildlife water construction
Volunteer support and field operations
Conservation tools and materials
Emergency drought response

Every dollar helps keep water flowing to wildlife in need.

Arizona continues to experience increasing drought conditions, growing demands on water resources, and aging wildlife infrastructure. The need for reliable wildlife water systems has never been greater.

Wildlife Water Works is committed to expanding our impact by restoring more wildlife water developments, creating new partnerships, increasing volunteer opportunities, and ensuring Arizona’s wildlife has dependable access to water for generations to come.

We believe that conservation isn’t just about protecting wildlife today—it’s about leaving Arizona better than we found it.

Wildlife Water Works invites everyone who loves Arizona’s outdoors to become part of the solution.

Whether you volunteer your time, make a tax-deductible donation, sponsor a wildlife water project, attend one of our fundraising events, or simply help spread the word, you become part of something much bigger.

Together, we can keep Arizona’s wildlife healthy, its habitats thriving, and its future secure.

Because every drop matters… and every life depends on it.