Arizona Governor and Water Resources Agency Move to Regulate Rural Groundwater Pumping
In Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Department of Water Resources have taken a significant step towards regulating the extraction of groundwater in the rural southeast of the state, where rapid depletion is occurring due to agricultural activities. The state agency announced on Wednesday that a public hearing will be held on November 22 to discuss the potential designation of an “active management area” for the Willcox Groundwater Basin, located in Cochise and Graham counties.
Amidst concerns about the diminishing groundwater levels, the basin has been temporarily closed to new agricultural use while the department evaluates the need for creating a management area southeast of Tucson. This designation would enable the agency to establish targets for the preservation of the basin and its aquifers, as excessive pumping can lead to well depletion and land subsidence, causing infrastructure damage.
According to a report by the water resources department, monitoring of 26 wells in the basin revealed a significant drop in water levels ranging from 10 feet (3 meters) to nearly 142 feet (43 meters) between 2000 and 2020. Historically, Arizona farm interests have opposed regulations on groundwater extraction, citing concerns about flexibility. However, local residents have been urging Hobbs and the water resources agency to address the groundwater depletion issue.
If approved, the creation of the Willcox Groundwater Basin management area would mark the first instance of such action by executive order since the inception of Arizona’s Groundwater Management Act in 1980. While other management areas in Arizona have been established through legislation, this move signifies a proactive approach to safeguarding water resources. Urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson have long been subject to groundwater management measures.
The establishment of a Douglas Basin management area south of Willcox was previously achieved through a citizen petition and election process in 2022. Conversely, a citizens’ initiative aimed at creating a management area in the Willcox Basin was decisively rejected by voters in November 2022. This ongoing regulatory effort underscores the critical importance of sustainable water management practices in Arizona’s rural regions.
Insights and Summary:
The initiative taken by Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Department of Water Resources to regulate rural groundwater pumping in the Willcox Groundwater Basin reflects a proactive approach to addressing water resource challenges in the state. By considering the establishment of an active management area, the authorities aim to balance agricultural needs with long-term sustainability goals. The potential implications of this regulatory action include safeguarding water supply for future generations, mitigating land subsidence risks, and promoting responsible water usage practices in rural communities. Overall, this development highlights the pressing need for collaborative efforts between policymakers, stakeholders, and residents to ensure the effective management of Arizona’s precious groundwater resources.