Critics say the Legislature’s push for deregulation is indicative of an unwillingness to protect aquifers
By Dustin Gardiner | The Republic
Almost 40 percent of Arizona’s water supply comes from an ancient source — aquifers deep underground that collected water over millions of years.
Those aquifers aren’t considered a renewable source by water-policy experts given they formed during prehistoric times and are almost always sucked down more quickly than they’re refilled.
In several Arizona communities, that finite source of water is in danger of being over-tapped. Water experts and environmentalists say that’s why the state needs tighter groundwater restrictions.
But some power brokers in the Arizona Legislature want to do the opposite.
They have introduced bills to largely sidestep calls for stricter laws on aquifer pumping or to eliminate rules. One proposal would allow two rural counties to reverse laws that require new subdivisions have a 100-year water supply.
That has stoked concerns for both conservationists and Gov. Doug Ducey’s administration. Ducey vetoed two similar bills in 2016 and might do so again.
Still, opponents say the Legislature’s push for deregulation is indicative of an unwillingness to protect aquifers.
