• Creates new layer of water management in rural areas.
• Appropriates $40M for conservation, some uses restricted.
• Bill faces opposition from environmental groups, AG.

February 27, 2024 — Arizona Senate Bill 1221 aims to create a new water management framework for rural areas of the state that are not already in active management areas. The bill was introduced by Senators Kerr and Gail Griffin shortly before an informal hearing on the possible designation of the Gila Bend Active Management Area. If it goes forward, the Gila Bend active management area designation would be the first made by the state since 1980.

The state controls access to groundwater in Active Management Areas (AMAs).  Wells pumping more than 35 gallons per minute are metered, and usage reports must be filed with the state.  In contrast, SB 1221 will allow the local stakeholders to have a stronger voice in groundwater management decisions.  Key elements of SB 1221 include:

• Funding: $40 million earmarked for water conservation projects, with some spending limits.
• Basin Management Areas: A petition process allows residents to trigger the creation of these new management zones.
• Water Rights: Groundwater users would receive certificates, limits on metering and reporting.
• Active Basin Management Areas: These optional zones can be established within the broader Basin Management Areas and would provide additional authority.

[Organizations in Favor]

• PALOMA IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE DISTRICT
• AZ FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
• ARIZONA CROP PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
• ARIZONA FARM AND RANCH GROUP
• UNITED DAIRYMEN OF AZ
• WEST VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ALLIANCE
• AZ NURSERY ASSOCIATION
• ARIZONA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
• WESTERN GROWERS ASSN
• ARIZONA COTTON GROWERS ASSOCIATION
• AZ MUNICIPAL POWER USERS ASSN

[Organizations Opposed]

• SIERRA CLUB – GRAND CANYON CHAPTER
• CHISPA ARIZONA, A PROGRAM OF LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS, INC
• NORTHERN AZ MUNICIPAL WATER USERS ASSN
• CITY OF KINGMAN
• LA PAZ COUNTY
• BUSINESS FOR WATER STEWARDSHIP
• ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE ACTION FUND
• AUDUBON ARIZONA/NATL AUD SOC
• MOHAVE COUNTY
• RURAL ARIZONA ACTION
• MAYOR CLARINDA VAIL, TOWN OF TUSAYAN

[Additional Context]

• County supervisors from Graham, Mohave, Coconino, and La Paz voiced individual opinions, not reflecting their counties’ official positions.
• The Water for Arizona Coalition and Attorney General Kris Mayes strongly oppose the bill, calling it unworkable and harmful.
• Arizona Department of Water Resources took a neutral stance.

The bill is advancing through the Senate.  It can be tracked on the State legislature’s website.

News Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXiGa-CJZxg

Image:

Wildflowers blooming at the Arizona Snowbowl, looking west towards Kendrick Peak. Photo by George Jozens, August 18, 2016. Credit: Coconino National Forest, U.S. Forest Service.