Author: azwater

Arizona Department of Water Resources field hydrologists conducting “basin sweep” to collect water level measurements in the Willcox, Douglas, San Bernardino Valley and San Simon Basins

On By azwater

PHOENIX- Beginning the week of January 12th, 2026, and continuing for several months, Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) field services staff will be making an extensive effort to measure water levels in wells in the Willcox, Douglas, San Bernardino Valley and San Simon Basins.  ADWR staff will attempt to measure water levels at hundreds of wells in these groundwater basins.  This survey of wells – or “basin sweep,” as it is known — will be the first such basin survey of the area since 2021.

The data collected will be analyzed and used to obtain a comprehensive overview of the groundwater conditions and used to support scientific and water management planning efforts. Data collected will be used for several purposes, including:

  • Analysis of water-level trends
  • Groundwater modeling
  • Water-level change maps
  • Hydrologic reports
  • Water resource planning and management

The general area covered by this basin sweep is the southeastern portion of the state and extends from the U.S. – Mexico border to north of Willcox, Bowie and San Simon. 

For more information regarding this matter, please contact Public Information Officer Shauna Evans at smevans@azwater.gov or (602) 771-8079.

Details about the nature of basin sweeps and groundwater modeling can be found here. If you would like to volunteer your well for participation in this groundwater survey please contact the Hydrology Division at (602) 771-8535.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND ARIZONA WATER PROTECTION FUND GRANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES REQUEST FOR COMMENTS

On By azwater

Arizona Water Protection Fund

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         January 6, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND ARIZONA WATER PROTECTION FUND GRANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES REQUEST FOR COMMENTS

PHOENIX – The Arizona Water Protection Fund (AWPF) is a competitive state grant program that provides funding to interested parties for maintaining, enhancing, and restoring river and riparian resources throughout Arizona, including projects that benefit fish and wildlife that are dependent on these important resources. The distribution of grant funds from the AWPF is authorized pursuant to A.R.S. § 45-2101 et seq. and is overseen by the Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission (Commission). The program is administered through the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 45-2105 et seq. the Commission is required to develop guidelines for applicants for funding, and is seeking input from interested landowners, state and federal agencies, Tribal entities, local government entities, non-profit organizations, and the public.

Specifically, the Commission is requesting comments related to:

  • Current grant application structure and processes, and suggestions on streamlining and/or simplifying the grant application;
  • Geographic areas in the state where protection and restoration should be prioritized (e.g., particular watersheds or streams; feature categories such as stream headwaters; etc.);
  • Issues of concern that the AWPF should focus on across the state or in specific areas; and
  • Types of measures to address the issues of concerns identified.

The most recent version of the AWPF grant application may reviewed online at https://www.azwpf.gov/ or in person at the Arizona Department of Water Resources office (address listed below).

A public hearing to receive comments, with a virtual attendance option, will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the following location:

Arizona Department of Water Resources

Thunder River Conference Room

1110 W. Washington Street, Suite #310

Phoenix, AZ  85007

Cisco Webex Application Guidelines Hearing Information

Link: https://bit.ly/48Y9pRc
Meeting Number (Access Code): 2535 625 5151
Meeting Password: Gx6RBYMUr33

or                                

Join by Phone

1-415-655-0001 US TollAccess Code: 2535 625 5151

Any person may appear at the public hearing, either in person or by representative, and submit oral or written comments.  Any person attending via webinar may present oral comments.  Persons presenting comments at the hearing or via webinar may be subject to a time limit to ensure all who wish to speak receive an opportunity to do so.  If, because of a disability, you need a reasonable accommodation to participate equally at this public hearing, contact Lizette Fuentes at 602-771-8472 or lfuentes@azwater.gov. Please make requests as soon as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

Comments not submitted at the public hearing may be submitted during the 45-day public comment period, which begins Tuesday, January 13, 2026 and ends Friday, February 27, 2026 at 5 p.m.  Written public comments must be received no later than 5 p.m., on February 27, 2026.  Written comments can be hand-delivered, or sent via email or fax.  If mailed, written comments must be postmarked no later than February 27, 2026.  Please send written comments electronically or in writing to:

MAILING ADDRESSPHYSICAL ADDRESS
Arizona Department of Water Resources
Arizona Water Protection Fund
Attn: Reuben Teran
1802 W Jackson St. Box #79
Phoenix, Arizona 85007		Arizona Department of Water Resources
Arizona Water Protection Fund
Attn: Reuben Teran
1110 West Washington, Suite 310
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
FAXEMAIL
(602) 771 -8686rteran@azwater.gov

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The current status of Colorado River negotiations: A statement from the seven Colorado River Basin States, the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation

On By azwater

PRESS STATEMENT

The current status of Colorado River negotiations: A statement from the seven Colorado River Basin States, the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation

The seven Colorado River Basin states together with the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation recognize the serious and ongoing challenges facing the Colorado River. Prolonged drought and low reservoir conditions have placed extraordinary pressure on this critical water resource that supports 40 million people, tribal nations, agriculture, and industry.  

While more work needs to be done, collective progress has been made that warrants continued efforts to define and approve details for a finalized agreement. Through continued cooperation and coordinated action, there is a shared commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of the Colorado River system.

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ADWR CELEBRATES NEW, “ALTERNATIVE” ASSURED WATER SUPPLY PATHWAY

On By azwater

PHOENIX – Today Governor Katie Hobbs signed a proclamation celebrating the first implementation of the new “Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply Program,” commemorating a new pathway for increasing Arizona’s housing supply while at the same time maintaining the vital consumer protections of the State’s landmark Groundwater Management Act.

“This program, dubbed ADAWS, represents the culmination of a challenging public stakeholder process that kept protection of Arizona’s groundwater supplies as a top priority,” said Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke.

“I commend Governor Hobbs for her leadership in this effort, and I further commend my hard-working staff for the countless hours they have contributed to making this alternative pathway to an Assured Water Supply a reality for participating providers.”

“The many stakeholders involved in this process have been intensely engaged and determined to find that next adaptation of water policy that allowed incremental, sustainable growth while protecting groundwater. I heartily commend them as well.”

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See: EPCOR Water Arizona-West Valley System AWS Designation

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PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR ARIZONA WATER PROTECTION FUND FISCAL YEAR 2026 GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

On By azwater

Arizona Water Protection Fund

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         August 29, 2025

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR ARIZONA WATER PROTECTION FUND FISCAL YEAR 2026 GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

PHOENIX – The Arizona Water Protection Fund* has received grant applications for its fiscal year 2026 funding cycle.

Grant applications are now available for public review at the Arizona Water Protection Fund website at https://www.azwpf.gov/grant-information/fy-2026-grant-cycle or at the Arizona Department of Water Resources physical address described below.

Written comments regarding grant applications may be submitted during the 45-day public comment period, which begins September 2, 2025 and ends October 17, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Written public comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., October 17, 2025. Written comments can be mailed, sent via email, or sent by fax. If mailed, written comments must be postmarked no later than October 17, 2025. Please include application numbers and project titles. For additional information, please contact Reuben Teran, Executive Director, at (602) 771-8528.

MAILING ADDRESSPHYSICAL ADDRESS
Arizona Department of Water Resources
Arizona Water Protection Fund
Attn: Reuben Teran
1802 W Jackson St. Box #79
Phoenix, Arizona 85007		Arizona Department of Water Resources
Arizona Water Protection Fund
1110 West Washington, Suite 310
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
FAXEMAIL
(602) 771 -8687rteran@azwater.gov

* The Arizona Water Protection Fund supports projects that develop or implement on the ground measures that maintain, enhance and restore Arizona’s river and riparian resources.

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ARIZONA WATER PROTECTION FUND ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 GRANT CYCLE

On By azwater

Arizona Water Protection Fund

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         May 14, 2025

ARIZONA WATER PROTECTION FUND ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 GRANT CYCLE

PHOENIX- The Arizona Water Protection Fund (AWPF) supports projects that develop or implement on-the-ground measures that directly maintain, enhance and restore Arizona’s river and riparian resources.

The AWPF Commission will be accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 grant cycle and will award grants under three categories: capital projects, research, and water conservation. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Arizona time. Applications will only be accepted electronically via the eCivis Grants Management System. The eCivis grant application portal link, grant cycle schedule, grant application manual, and electronic forms are available on the AWPF website at https://www.azwpf.gov/grant-information/fy-2026-grant-cycle.

AWPF staff will be hosting one grant application workshop:

Location: Online Webinar*

Date: Wenesday, June 11, 2025

Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Webinar Information:

Link: https://azwater.webex.com/azwater/j.php?MTID=m24989c585e1c6304ec947d328a68bd00
Webinar Number (Access Code): 2531 065 3328
Webinar Password: nAPr9inAY82
Join by Phone: 1-415-655-0001 US Toll (Access Code is same as above)

*Staff will be providing the grant application workshop via online webinar only, but a recording will also be available on the AWPF website at https://www.azwpf.gov/grant-information/fy-2026-grant-cycle. Please contact the Arizona Water Protection Fund at 602-771-8528 or rteran@azwater.gov with any questions.

The Arizona Legislature established the AWPF in 1994 (A.R.S. § 45-2101, et seq.). The Arizona Department of Water Resources provides administrative, technical, and legal support to the AWPF Commission. The legislation establishing the AWPF provides that it is the declared policy of the Legislature to provide for a coordinated effort between state funding and locally led solutions for the restoration and conservation of the water resources of the state. A.R.S. § 45-2101(A). The primary purpose of the AWPF is to provide monies through a competitive public grant process for implementation of measures to protect water of sufficient quality and quantity to maintain, enhance, and restore rivers and streams and associated riparian resources consistent with existing water law and water rights, and measures to increase water availability.
A.R.S. § 45-2101(B).

For additional information, please contact Reuben Teran at rteran@azwater.gov.

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Water Awareness Month Festival Scheduled for April 5 is Canceled

On By azwater

Color Logo Transparent- For Web

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         March 26, 2025

Water Awareness Month Festival Scheduled for April 5 is Canceled

PHOENIX (March 26, 2025) – The annual Water Awareness Month Festival sponsored jointly by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and scheduled this year at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix on Saturday, April 5, has been canceled.

Organizers of a nationwide protest event planned for that same day at the State Capitol have informed our agencies that they anticipate substantial attendance that may overflow onto the Plaza area. Out of an abundance of caution, ADWR and ADEQ have opted to cancel this year’s festival.

_

For further information, contact:

ADWR: Shauna Evans, Public Information Officer | 602-771-8079 | smevans@azwater.gov

ADEQ: Alma Suarez, Deputy Public Information Officer for Water Quality | 480-670-0568 | suarez.alma@azdeq.gov

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ADWR Director expresses support for reintroduction of historic tribal water rights settlement

On By azwater

Color Logo Transparent- For Web

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         March 12, 2025

CONTACT: Doug MacEachern

PHONE: 602.771.8507

ADWR Director expresses support for reintroduction of historic tribal water rights settlement

Phoenix, AZ — Members of Arizona’s Congressional delegation from both sides of the aisle have led the way in reintroducing legislation to ratify and fund the historic Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement.

Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, alongside Representatives Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), David Schweikert (R-AZ-01), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-07) and Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03) announced on Tuesday the reintroduction of the vital legislation.

The bill was originally introduced in Congress last year to ratify and fund the settlement agreement entered into between the State of Arizona, the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and numerous other Arizona parties.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed the settlement agreement on November 19, 2024.

“Arizona’s congressional delegation is to be commended for leading the way in moving this legislation forward,” said Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke.

“Finalizing this crucial agreement, following decades of negotiation in some cases, constitutes a monumental ‘win’ for both the State of Arizona and the tribes,” said Buschatzke. “So, it is extremely gratifying to see our representatives from both sides of the political divide uniting behind this legislation.”

Congressional approval of the Act is vital to assuring clean and safe water supplies for the three Native American tribes.  Although estimates vary across the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe reservations, approximately one-third of homes on the three reservations lack access to running water.

The legislation creates a reservation for the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, settles the Arizona water rights claims for all three Tribes, and authorizes $5.1 billion to acquire, build, and maintain much needed delivery infrastructure and water development projects, including the iiná bá – paa tuwaqat’si pipeline that will bring Colorado River water to the three reservations. Settlement water supplies include both Upper and Lower Basin Colorado River water, groundwater, and other surface water supplies.

The settlement also allows the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe to lease a portion of their Colorado River supplies off-reservation, creating economic opportunities until on-reservation demand is met through new infrastructure.

The leasing authorization includes authorization to lease the Tribes’ Upper Basin Colorado River water for system conservation, which will provide a benefit to the Colorado River System.  The water has historically been used for system conservation.

For further information, contact ADWR communications administrator Doug MacEachern at dmaceachern@azwater.gov or 602.771.8507.

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ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES FIELD HYDROLOGISTS CONDUCTING “BASIN SWEEP” TO COLLECT WATER LEVEL MEASUREMENTS IN TUCSON/SANTA CRUZ AMAS

On By azwater

PHOENIX- Beginning the week of March 3, 2025, and continuing through April 2025, Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) field services staff will make an extensive effort to measure water levels in wells within several groundwater basins in Southern Arizona. This survey of wells – or basin “sweep”, as it is known, was last conducted during the Spring of 2020.

The data collected will be analyzed and used to obtain a comprehensive overview of the groundwater conditions and used to support scientific and water management planning efforts. Among others, data uses will include:

  • Analysis of water-level trends
  • Groundwater modeling
  • Water-level change maps
  • Hydrologic reports
  • Water resource planning and management

The groundwater subbasins that will be targeted are as follows; Avra Valley, Cienega Creek, San Rafael, Santa Cruz AMA and Upper Santa Cruz. These subbasins cover several thousand square miles of Tucson Metro, farmland, riparian areas, Santa Cruz River and rugged terrain in Southern Arizona along the border of Mexico. Additional coverage areas include the cities and towns of Green Valley, Tubac, Nogales, Patagonia and Sonoita.

For more information regarding this matter, please contact Public Information Officer Shauna Evans at smevans@azwater.gov or (602) 771-8079.

Details about the nature of basin sweeps and groundwater modeling can be found here. If you would like to volunteer your well for participation in this groundwater survey please contact the Hydrology Division at (602) 771-8535.

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ARIZONA WATER PROTECTION FUND WELCOMES NEW TRIBAL APPOINTMENT

On By azwater

Arizona Water Protection Fund

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         March 4, 2025

ARIZONA WATER PROTECTION FUND WELCOMES NEW TRIBAL APPOINTMENT

Phoenix, AZ — The Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission (Commission) is proud to announce that Rolando Flores, councilmember of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, has been appointed to the Commission by the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona on February 21.

In a letter announcing the appointment of Mr. Flores, Inter Tribal Council President Paul J. Russell observed that “Mr. Flores will bring valuable insights and contributions to the Commission, helping to further its mission of protecting and enhancing Arizona’s water resources for future generations.”

The Water Protection Fund is a competitive State grant program that provides funding for the development and implementation of measures to protect water of sufficient quality and quantity to maintain, enhance and restore rivers, streams and riparian habitat, including projects that benefit fish and wildlife that are dependent on these important resources.

Commission members are appointed for three-year terms. They may serve more than one term and may continue to serve beyond the expiration of the term until a successor is appointed and assumes office.

According to State statute, the Commission should include “(o)ne person who represents an Indian tribe and who is appointed by the chairman of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona.”

Water Protection Fund Commission Chairman Pat Jacobs said that “we welcome Mr. Flores for his perspective and understanding of surface-water issues.”

He observed that Arizona’s tribal community “has been without a representative in that position on the Commission for a long time,” and thanked the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona “for appointing a highly qualified representative.”

Mr. Jacobs noted having a Commission member who is representative of tribal perspectives, as well as someone with Mr. Flores’ extensive understanding of surface-water issues, “is vitally important.”

Mr. Flores, an attorney and graduate of the University of Arizona College of Law, has previously served as Attorney General of the Pasqua Yaqui Tribe.

Currently, he is the co-chair for the Economic Development Oversight Committee of the Tribe. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association.

For further information about the Water Protection Fund, or for information about upcoming WPF Commission meetings, visit http://www.azwpf.gov contact WPF staff at Phone: (602) 771-8528.

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