Wise actions, not words, will ensure our continued water security

State lawmakers readily express their commitment to water security, which is the foundation of our thriving communities and robust economy. So why are they introducing legislation that fails to follow this commitment? 

Threats to the Department of Water Resources Budget and Existence

House Bill 2692 would cut the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR’s) budget by 45%, and House Bill 2550 would terminate ADWR entirely on July 1, 2026. 

• Why would any of our state leaders consider it wise to cut ADWR’s budget or eliminate it entirely when Arizona faces pressing water challenges?  
• ADWR is currently engaged in high-stakes negotiations with the federal government and other Colorado River Basin States about Arizona’s share of Colorado River water after 2026. This includes ensuring the Central Arizona Project (CAP) continues to deliver water to the state’s metropolitan areas. 
• ADWR is working to stabilize stressed aquifers throughout the State, including in the Phoenix area. They are developing a data-driven program to incentivize agricultural land that uses large quantities of groundwater to transition to urban development. This would reduce groundwater pumping while promoting aquifer replenishment.
• Instead of defunding ADWR, arguably the most critical agency for Arizona’s long-term success, Legislators should ask whether it has adequate funding to fulfill its vital water management responsibilities. 

Undercutting Aquifer Protection

House Concurrent Resolution 2039 expresses disapproval of ADWR‘s decision to halt approving new assured water supply applications because ADWR’s peer-reviewed, scientific groundwater model shows demand over the next 100 years will exceed the amount of available groundwater in the Phoenix metropolitan area.   

• By law, due to the findings of the 2023 and 2024 groundwater models, new subdivisions have been paused outside of communities that can demonstrate a 100-year assured water supply in the Phoenix area. This ensures that new growth does not rely solely on groundwater but must have access to other water supplies, thus protecting the investment of new homeowners.
• Ironically, this resolution criticizes ADWR for developing rules that actually offer a path forward for communities without an assured water supply designation to obtain one, enabling responsible development and protection for existing and new homeowners.
• The resolution claims that the rules are excessively strict and is contradicted by the fact that two water providers have already applied for this alternative designation, demonstrating its feasibility. 

Eroding Current Residents’ Water Security to Benefit Land Speculation

Senate Bill 1114 would require ADWR to use an outdated model as proof that groundwater will be available for new developments, undermining the water security of existing users.  

•  Permitting new subdivisions that solely rely on groundwater and ignoring ADWR’s current model does not provide new homeowners with the same consumer protection that Arizona has given others for more than 40 years. 
• It also raises the risk of taking water security from existing residents. For example, the AMWUA cities have stored surface water underground throughout the Phoenix AMA for decades as an emergency savings account to serve over half the state’s population when their Colorado River water is reduced. Plus, they legally have available groundwater as an additional backup water source.
• While water may be pumped from wells to supply new developments authorized by Senate Bill 1114, it’s likely that, over time, it will be someone else’s water. New developments should not take water from current residents. 

A Critical Moment in Arizona’s Water Future

These legislative actions are being considered at a time when the State is facing significant uncertainty, including Colorado River water reductions after 2026. This could reduce Arizona’s supplies, increasing the need to protect our stressed aquifers and ensure sustainable groundwater management. Instead of undermining ADWR or sound water policy, the state should focus on long-term water security solutions, including investing in new water sources.  

Why Arizona’s Water Success Should Not Be Undone

The state can tout that it is using the same amount of water as in 1957 despite population and economic growth because of prudent groundwater protections, the 100-year assured water supply requirement for subdivisions, and mandated comprehensive conservation programs. Even more important is that the AMWUA cities have invested billions of dollars in critical water resources and infrastructure to provide long-term reliable water for 3.7 million residents and the businesses in the Phoenix area that drive our economy. 

The Path Forward

 When the going gets tough, we must preserve, not undercut, our water security that ensures the foundation of our economic success. This requires having:

•  A fully funded and staffed Department of Water Resources that can effectively manage our converging water challenges.
• Policies that protect our aquifers and ensure sustainable use of our finite groundwater.

Water security doesn’t just happen - it is earned through planning, investment, and sound policy. Arizona must remain committed to these principles today and for future generations.