The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) is creating a new method for securing a 100-year assured water supply for new subdivisions. To build a new subdivision in Arizona, and even to sell a single home in that subdivision, a landowner or water provider must demonstrate that water can be provided to those homes for 100 years. Initially passed in the early 1980s, Arizona’s Assured Water Supply Program, considered landmark legislation, has been replicated by other states to provide water security to homeowners.
However, in recent years, complex groundwater models prepared by the State show that there may not be enough groundwater to meet all water demands for 100 years. Because of this, ADWR has developed an Alternative Assured Water Supply Designation (ADAWS). This program is designed to reduce existing groundwater demands by requiring that new subdivisions rely on non-groundwater resources, also called renewable water supplies, and by replacing existing groundwater demands that may not be met during the next 100 years with additional renewable water supplies.
City of Casa Grande, Mayor Craig McFarland explains, “The assured water supply rules are fundamental in creating and maintaining a sustainable economy in Pinal County. The new rules directly address the projected shortfall in groundwater. If adopted, we will once again be able to approve new workforce housing, hopefully in time to prevent the further escalation of housing costs.” McFarland further describes the importance of effluent in providing water security to all residents of Casa Grande, “The City is prepared to use its effluent to recharge the aquifer beneath our City to replace groundwater used by existing residences and businesses and provide an additional renewable water resource within the aquifer for future growth.”
Meanwhile, Pinal County District 3 Supervisor Stephen Miller said, “We have not approved new subdivisions in large parts of Pinal County for years. Our inventory of lots in approved subdivisions will eventually be gone, and our agricultural lands will be unable to make the natural transition to housing, which we desperately need. As the supply of housing runs out, home prices will skyrocket; it’s that simple. The new assured water supply rules strike a balance between the past and future. We hope everyone will support these rules.”
On October 7, 2024, ADWR filed rules supporting the ADAWS with the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC). This is the final step in making the rules a reality. The new rules are scheduled to be heard by the GRRC for the first time on October 29 at a Council Study Session. The GRRC will decide whether to approve or disapprove the new rules on November 5.
Members of the public are encouraged to provide written comments to the GRRC by emailing them to grrccomments@azdoa.gov. Further information on the GRRC’s meetings, which are held virtually, and which the public can attend, can be found on the GRRC’s website at https://grrc.az.gov/.
