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Arizona Department of Water Resources

Oct 18, 2025

Home Builders Association raises concerns over new Ag-to-Urban program

Key Points: Ag-to-Urban allows farmers to trade irrigated land for residential development Program aims to minimize water use and expand housing opportunities  Its complex application process may deter some farmers […]

Oct 10, 2025

State issues assured water supply designation amid ongoing lawsuits

Key Points: EPCOR Utilities is the first recipient of an alternative designation of assured water supply The designation was granted under new water rules adopted last year ADWR is currently […]

Mar 2, 2025

45 years after the Groundwater Management Act, one of its architects reflects on the landmark legislation

In 1980, Arizona’s Groundwater Management Act identified 2025 as the year that the state’s three largest urban areas would balance the amount of groundwater withdrawn and replenished from the state. […]

Colorado River, water cuts, drought, Arizona, California, Nevada
Oct 26, 2023

Federal officials say plan for water cuts from 3 Western states is enough to protect Colorado River

Federal officials said Wednesday that conditions have improved on the Colorado River to the point that a plan by California, Arizona and Nevada to voluntarily reduce water use should help keep the river basin on stable footing for the next few years.

Oct 13, 2023

Farmer, rural lawmaker leave Governor’s Water Council

Two key members of the Governor's Water Policy Council have quit, potentially threatening the chances of any action to deal with a depleting water supply in rural Arizona.

water, Griffin, Arizona Farm Bureau, Kerr, Lingenfelter
Sep 22, 2023

Process starts for new era managing Colorado River

Stakeholders sharing the Colorado River have started sending their water policy wish lists to the Bureau of Reclamation as they negotiate new river use guidelines. 

water, Colorado River, Gilbert, Arizona Water Banking Authority
Sep 15, 2023

State considers using effluent water credits

The Arizona Water Banking Authority is exploring the possibility of buying purified wastewater to distribute later – which would be unprecedented. 

water, Colorado River, Arizona, California
Jul 11, 2023

Meet the Colorado River’s newest – and youngest – power player

JB Hamby is a water policy bigwig, who helps shape policies that define how water is used by arguably the most influential water users along the Colorado River. He serves on the board of directors for the Imperial Irrigation District and was recently appointed to be California’s top water negotiator. And he’s only 27 years old.

Colorado River, drought, water w
Jun 23, 2023

Arizona’s water future depends on new supplies 

None of us has a crystal ball, but we can be certain that our water future will require a variety of adaptive changes.   

legislation, batting average, Weninger, Osborne
Jun 15, 2023

As the legislature adjourns again, much has been accomplished

The 2023 legislative session has recessed and is expected to come back again July 31. Much has been accomplished focused on keeping the Arizona economy moving forward with investments.

Rio Verde, Scottsdale, water, Senate, Hobbs, House
Jun 14, 2023

Legislature passes Rio Verde solution, Hobbs voices support

The Legislature passed a bipartisan bill with an emergency clause on Tuesday that would get water back to Rio Verde, and which Gov. Katie Hobbs said she plans to sign into law.

Rio Verde, Scottsdale, Kolodin, Wadsack, Navajo Nation,
Jun 12, 2023

One Rio Verde plan dies, another advances 

House members approved a new measure to get water to the Rio Verde community Monday that Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, is offering as an alternative to appease Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, and the Senate killed an alternative plan. 

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