Author: azwater

Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal Includes Funding for Key ADWR Initiatives

On By azwater

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         January 16, 2025

CONTACT: Doug MacEachern or Shauna Evans

PHONE: 602.771.8507 or 602.771.8079

GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE BUDGET PROPOSAL INCLUDES FUNDING FOR KEY ADWR INITIATIVES

Funding to support Arizona’s on-going efforts to protect the State from  Colorado River supply reductions

Phoenix, AZ — Today, Governor Hobbs released her FY 2027 Executive Budget, which funds critical ADWR programs and efforts, including water conservation, consumptive use reductions, infrastructure upgrades, supply augmentation, and other shortage mitigation efforts.

It is paramount that Arizona protects its water users and mitigates the adverse effects of anticipated reductions across the basin. To support Arizona’s water users, the initiatives funded in the budget proposal include:

  • $30 million one-time deposit into the newly created Colorado River Protection Fund to aid conservation efforts and continue building a sustainable and growing economy.
  • Permanent funding into the Colorado River Protection Fund through a water usage fee assessed on data centers by the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

“Once again, Arizona is leading the way in protecting the Colorado River and at recognizing the drier future ahead and the challenges that drier future presents to all the Colorado River states,” said ADWR Director Tom Buschatzke.

“These resources proposed by Governor Hobbs represent Arizona’s commitment to protecting the river, as well as the Arizona water users and citizens who depend upon it.”

“I hope that this financial commitment by the Governor will send a message to our Colorado River partner states, as well as the federal government, that Arizona is prepared once again to make necessary sacrifices to protect the system, just as we were in 2019 with the Drought Contingency Plan.”

The current guidelines for the operation and management of the Colorado River system expire at the end of calendar year 2026. Arizona and the six other Basin States are negotiating the post-2026 guidelines with the federal Bureau of Reclamation in order to develop a framework that more sustainably manages the Colorado River system.

The Director of ADWR serves as Arizona’s lead negotiator and is charged with protecting the State’s 2.8 million acre-feet entitlement of Colorado River water, representing as much as 40 percent of the State’s water supply.

While Arizona is committed to collaboration and cooperation with its Basin States partners, it is possible that new guidelines or the absence of a negotiated outcome could result in litigation among the Basin States.

Arizona continues to pursue good-faith negotiations that hopefully will result in a consensus outcome for more sustainable Colorado River management. At the same time, this appropriation ensures that ADWR has the resources to defend Arizona’s interests and water users who depend on the State’s precious Colorado River entitlement.

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ADWR Director finds cause for Ranegras Plain Groundwater Basin to become Arizona’s 8th Active Management Area

On By azwater

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         January 12, 2026

ADWR DIRECTOR FINDS CAUSE FOR RANEGRAS PLAIN GROUNDWATER BASIN TO BECOME ARIZONA’S 8TH ACTIVE MANAGEMENT AREA

PHOENIX – The Director of Arizona Department of Water Resources, Tom Buschatzke, on Friday, January 9, issued his Findings, Decision and Order to designate the Ranegras Plain Groundwater Basin as a subsequent Active Management Area (AMA).

As a result of the decision, the Ranegras Plain Groundwater Basin AMA becomes the eighth Arizona AMA and the third to be designated since 2022.

The Department first identified the Ranegras Plain Groundwater Basin as a basin experiencing significant groundwater level declines at the Governor’s Water Policy Council (GWPC) Rural Groundwater Management Committee meeting held on August 17, 2023.

ADWR held an informational public meeting on October 15, 2025, where ADWR staff presented hydrologic and regulatory information, and answered questions from residents and stakeholders. The Department later released a technical memorandum describing the hydrologic information on file regarding the basin and then held a statutorily-required formal hearing, on December 18, 2025.

As part of the formal hearing, the Department received over 400 oral and written comments. The vast majority supported designating the Ranegras Plain AMA.

“The future of residents and businesses depends upon protecting the finite groundwater resources in the Ranegras Plain basin. This is a critical step in achieving that outcome,” said Director Buschatzke.

Water users in the Ranegras Plain Basin rely on groundwater as the sole source for their agricultural, industrial, commercial, and residential water uses.

Groundwater pumping in the basin has increased significantly since 2015, with annual withdrawals now exceeding inflows by more than 900 percent. As a result of the substantial overdraft on the aquifer, groundwater level declines of over 200 feet have been observed since the 1980s.  Those pronounced declines have led to significant land subsidence in the basin, the rate of which has been increasing year over year.

One well showed a decline of 242 feet over the last 40 years. These declines and associated subsidence jeopardize wells and groundwater storage in the Basin.

AMAs institute mandatory metering/measurement and reporting requirements for non-exempt groundwater use. Reliable water use data benefits all water users in the basin, improving decision-making and water management, and encouraging transparency. AMAs formalize and quantify groundwater water rights and withdrawal authorities, giving groundwater users certainty and security. 

AMAs are required to institute a Management Goal and Management Plans for the basin, developed and adopted with local input. Management Plans come with mandatory conservation requirements and other measures to implement the Goal. 

The Department will send additional information to stakeholders and residents of the basin over the coming weeks.

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For further information, contact:

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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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