Several actions were taken by emergency management and water supply agencies in Arizona in anticipation of enhanced winter precipitation associated with the 1997-98 El Nino event. Insights about the use of climate information and El Nino forecasts in these agencies' operational decision making processes are developed through a case study approach. The study uses a series of highly structured in-depth interviews with key personnel from a broad array of emergency management and water supply agencies, with jurisdictions ranging from urban to rural and local to regional. The interviews provide unique details about the impact of El Nino on agency operations, which climate and forecast products were consulted, how the products were interpreted, whether product information was incorporated into specific decisions, satisfaction with both the products and agency decisions, and factors affecting continued integration of forecasts into agency operations. These case studies provide a basis for recommendations to enhance the utility of climate information and seasonal forecasts for water management