ARIZONA LEGISLATURE PASSES THE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT ACT

Governor Bruce Babbitt signed the Groundwater Management Act which was championed by State legislative leadership that included Stan Turley, Burton Barr, and Alfredo Gutierrez. The Act implemented the recommendations of the Groundwater Management Study Commission, which was composed of city, mine and agriculture stakeholders. Through its passage, the Arizona Department of Water Resources was established to administer the provisions of the Act, exercise jurisdiction over surface water, and represent the State on Colorado River issues. The Act also requires that developers of new subdivisions within Active Management Areas (AMAs) demonstrate a 100-year assured water supply.