The primary source of water in the Sonoran Desert is underground aquifers.

In the Sonoran Desert, underground aquifers serve as the main source of water. Despite the desert’s low rainfall, these natural water reserves located deep beneath the surface provide essential water for both people and the desert’s ecosystems. Aquifers are tapped for agricultural irrigation, drinking water, and sustaining the diverse plant and animal life in the desert. The limited rainfall is insufficient to meet the water needs of the region, making underground water sources critical for the survival of desert communities and wildlife, especially in the face of ongoing drought conditions.