• ADWR introduced an Ag-to-Urban concept.
• Stakeholders learned about a new interactive dashboard.
• Experts highlighted data on future groundwater challenges.
• The Department explained consumer protections under the Groundwater Management Act.

February 27, 2025 — Arizona’s pursuit of long-term groundwater stability has sparked a series of proposals and discussions led by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). Through open stakeholder meetings and interactive resources, ADWR aims to address shifting water demands in urban and agricultural sectors. Key efforts focus on ensuring that communities, developers, and policymakers have accurate information about the state’s water supplies, especially for future growth.

The Ag-to-Urban Program (January 24, 2025).

At a meeting of the Governor’s Water Policy Council on December 2, 2024, ADWR announced a plan to explore new rules for an Assured Water Supply “Ag-to-Urban” program. The proposed structure would allow voluntary transitions of high-use agricultural groundwater rights to lower-use urban development. By aligning homebuilding with existing water rights, the program seeks to reduce groundwater consumption in both the Phoenix and Pinal Active Management Areas (AMAs).

During the stakeholder meeting on January 16, ADWR presented an interactive dashboard showing various water-use scenarios. Users can adjust conversion rates and replenishment assumptions to see projected impacts on groundwater over time. Each AMA’s unique hydrogeology influences how these conversions might help stabilize aquifers. The Department also released the underlying dataset for further analysis.

Groundwater and Growth (February 10, 2025)

Soon after ADWR published a comprehensive analysis of groundwater conditions in the Phoenix AMA in November 2024, some observers voiced concerns about possible impacts on new residential construction. Critics have focused on the notion of “unmet demand,” referring to potential constraints on meeting Arizona’s requirement for a 100-year assured water supply in Active Management Areas.

ADWR’s Chief Attorney, Nicole Klobas, emphasized the importance of protecting consumers through Arizona’s Landmark Groundwater Management Act. These regulations mandate that developers secure a reliable water supply before construction, ensuring new-home buyers are safeguarded against the risk of insufficient groundwater. An audio interview is available on ADWR’s website.

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