SE Arizona News

In rural Arizona, domestic wells are running dry, leaving residents without reliable water access. Governor Katie Hobbs has the opportunity to address this issue by signing three bills aimed at providing long-term solutions for rural communities.

Representative Gail Griffin (R-19) has introduced these bills, which together aim to tackle both supply and demand challenges related to rural water access. HB2086 offers financial assistance for low- and fixed-income residents to install storage tanks for water hauling when private wells fail. SB1444 allows the creation of Domestic Water Improvement Districts (DWIDs) in certain areas to construct a well and standpipe for community water supply. HB2274 enables residents in parts of Cochise County to vote on establishing a DWID, ensuring local water sources.

Griffin emphasized that these bills are crucial as they address both ends of the supply-demand equation. "Without these solutions, residents are left with few options," she said, highlighting the financial burden of drilling new or deeper wells.

Some residents have lobbied for legislation requiring other users to reduce groundwater usage, hoping it would raise levels. However, Griffin noted that such measures wouldn't provide immediate relief and could harm rural economies.

According to the Department of Water Resources, 71 wells have dried up in the Willcox basin over the past decade. The newly designated Willcox Active Management Area aims for a 50% reduction in groundwater use over 50 years but won't address current well issues.

Griffin believes community efforts like establishing DWIDs can strategically invest in effective locations for common wells. "Solutions like HB2086, SB1444, and HB2274 will help," she said.

Water hauling remains a viable option for many rural Arizonans who prefer not being connected to municipal systems. Lawmakers continue working on broader groundwater solutions while supporting immediate measures like those proposed by Griffin.

Governor Hobbs' decision on these bills could provide immediate relief as lawmakers pursue further legislative action on rural groundwater issues.

Gail Griffin represents Legislative District 19 in Arizona's House of Representatives and chairs the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee.

Information from this article can be found here.