SE Arizona News

Many rural areas in Arizona are grappling with groundwater challenges. In response, Republicans in the State Legislature have been working on strategies to secure a sustainable water future for the state.

In 2023, House and Senate Republicans initiated a Joint Legislative Water Committee aimed at addressing these groundwater issues. The committee focused on solutions such as recharge, replenishment, reuse, and adopting new technologies to reduce groundwater depletion while preserving local economies.

By 2024, Arizona Republicans introduced several bills related to rural water policy. These included establishing Willcox as an Irrigation Non-expansion Area (HB2060), granting domestic well owners private property rights to groundwater (HB2063), supporting stormwater recharge in regions like Prescott, Pinal, and Willcox (HB2020), and allowing local residents to implement measures to stabilize aquifers (SB1221).

The recognition of Willcox's qualification as an Irrigation Non-expansion Area was emphasized as more suitable than an Active Management Area—a designation voters rejected by a 2-to-1 margin. Additionally, there was a focus on increasing stormwater capture through the development of 331 sites identified by the Department of Water Resources and State Land Department as suitable for enhancing local supplies.

Since 2023, Republicans have held over 112 stakeholder meetings across the state. These meetings aimed to address water issues without compromising principles such as "Consent of the Governed," which has historically guided Republican efforts.

This year saw House and Senate Republicans introduce over 20 measures concerning rural groundwater. These proposals aim to conserve groundwater, increase stormwater recharge, and improve existing tools for rural areas. They also seek immediate solutions for domestic wells and critical data needed by lawmakers but not currently provided by state water agencies.

Despite ongoing efforts from Republicans to find solutions, Democrats ceased participation in June 2024. Six months later, they released an 87-page proposal without prior notice.

According to Gail Griffin’s statement: "Like their past rural groundwater proposals, Democrats’ latest plan echoes the same anti-growth agenda radical environmentalists...have pushed since 2020—policies that would devastate rural economies."

Griffin highlighted concerns about mandatory groundwater cuts of up to 40 percent over 40 years and other provisions Democrats had previously agreed to remove during negotiations. She noted: "For farmers, a 40 percent groundwater cut means a 40 percent cut in livelihoods."

Arizona's agricultural industry plays a significant role in generating $31 billion annually and provides nearly all fresh produce consumed nationwide. Innovations in agriculture continue improving water conservation efficiency.

Griffin concluded: "Does more work need to be done? Yes...Rural Arizonans deserve better." She emphasized collaboration with lawmakers and stakeholders for policies that support economic growth while advancing innovative water supply solutions.

A comprehensive analysis of the Democrats' proposal is available online alongside a fact sheet detailing its key provisions.