On August 30, 2022, in response to a petition that was filed by residents pursuant to A.R.S. § 45-415, the Board of Supervisors of Cochise County called for an election, to be held on November 8, 2022, on whether to designate the Douglas Groundwater Basin as a subsequent active management area (“AMA”).  The AMA was designated on December 1, 2022. 

NOTICE: Pursuant to A.R.S. § 45-416, only those lands that were legally irrigated in the five years preceding that date (August 30, 2022) may be irrigated within the basin. “Irrigate” means to apply water to two or more acres of land to produce plants or parts of plants for sale or human consumption, or for use as feed for livestock, range livestock, or poultry. A.R.S. § 45-402.

With the designation of AMA on December 1, 2022 the prohibition on irrigation of new acres within the basin (with certain limited exceptions) remains in effect permanently. Additionally, a person may withdraw groundwater from a well having a pump with a maximum capacity greater than 35 gallons per minute ("non-exempt well") only if the person holds a right to withdraw the groundwater. Individuals must apply for grandfathered rights by March 1, 2024. 

Please review this FAQ page for further information. View the following fact sheets in English and Spanish:

• Douglas AMA Fact Sheet
• Hoja de Datos de la AMA Douglas

If you are seeking to apply for a groundwater right, please select the appropriate form below. 

Questions can be directed to 602-771-8585 or [email protected]. Applications can be electronically submitted to earp or mailed to the Department at 1802 W. Jackson St. Box 79, Phoenix, AZ 85007.