Overview
The Statewide Planning Section of the Arizona Department of Water Resources has been working with rural entities since the implementation of the 1999 Rural Watershed Initiative. The Rural Partnership program aims to connect communities across Arizona with the technical assistance and resources they need to conserve and manage their water supply. The program currently participates in five active rural watershed groups around the state, and produces a Stakeholder Funding Newsletter to assist rural stakeholders in accessing state and federal funding opportunities to build and improve water infrastructure and conservation efforts in rural communities. The program aims to foster collaborative working relationships between ADWR and partner groups, and conducts outreach to build additional relationships with current and new watershed groups. Partnering with watershed groups around the state allows for the Department to better understand the challenges rural communities face, and to develop additional tools and resources to assist in overcoming them.
More information on rural water groups in Arizona.
The Funding for Water Resource Management Newsletter provides up-to-date information on federal and state grants and loans that allow communities and organizations to unlock their potential to increase water conservation and provide critical resources to improve water infrastructure for rural, low income, and historically underserved communities throughout Arizona.
More information on water resource funding opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I join the email list for the Funding Opportunities Newsletter?
Email [email protected] to request being added onto the newsletter email list.
Where do I find information regarding funding for my water project?
There are a number of funding mechanisms for water projects and conservation in the state of Arizona. The Funding Resources Newsletter provides up to date information on funding opportunities that have recently opened. Here is a list of some of the entities, including state and federal agencies whose funding programs are listed in the newsletter:
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
A variety of water quality grants are available to protect water supplies from contamination as well as funding for wastewater improvement projects and riparian habitat protection projects to reduce the impacts on surface and groundwater. More information on ADEQ.
Water Infrastructure Financing Authority of Arizona (WIFA)
Through a variety of targeted programs, WIFA funds infrastructure and planning projects to protect local water quality, ensures reliability and access to safe drinking water, conserves water, improves the efficiency and reuse of existing water resources, and augments existing water resources with new renewable supplies of water. More information on WIFA.
Arizona Water Protection Fund (AZWPF)
A competitive State grant program that provides funding for the development and implementation of measures to protect water of sufficient quality and quantity to maintain, enhance and restore rivers, streams and riparian habitat, including projects that benefit fish and wildlife that are dependent on these important resources. More information on AZWPF.
United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA Rural Development)
A variety of programs are offered meant to help small and disadvantaged rural communities improve and protect their water supplies and environmental health focusing on projects that are sustainable for communities to upkeep and ensure the longevity and quality of life of their residents. Programs run year round and have staff available to answer questions and help communities through the application process. More information on USDA Rural Development.
Bureau of Reclamation (BOR)
The WaterSMART program is the Bureau of Reclamation’s premier water conservation and sustainability funding resource. Grants and loans vary from drinking water supply infrastructure improvements, to wastewater projects, to riparian habitat conservation efforts. For more information on the WaterSmart Program.
How can I get involved in active watershed groups in my area?
You can request to join your local watershed group by navigating to the “rural water group” page and navigate to their webpage for contact information. Many of the active participants come from local, state, federal, tribal entities, and non-profit groups, however community participation and input is always encouraged.
I’m interested in starting a local watershed group. Where do I start?
First check to see if there are already existing watershed groups in your area. If so, it may be easier and more effective to join a pre-established partnership. Check our “Rural Watershed Partners” to see if there are any active groups in your area. If there are no watershed groups in your area, you may contact Southwest Decision Resources who may be able to provide information or resources to get you started.
How does ADWR interact with rural watershed groups?
ADWR participates in watershed partnership groups throughout the state by attending meetings where staff provide technical assistance, resources, and information regarding funding opportunities and water related updates. Engaging with these groups also provides the department with valuable insight into the challenges rural communities face on a daily basis.
I want ADWR to participate in my Watershed Partnership. How do I contact the department?
Our staff would be happy to meet with you and discuss how ADWR can support your local efforts with technical assistance and resources. Email [email protected] to discuss how ADWR can best support your efforts.
How has ADWR’s rural outreach and programs evolved over time?
Between 1980 and 1999, ADWR was mainly focused on the management of the established Active Management Areas and developing strategies to curb the groundwater decline in those regions. With rural Arizona being far more varied with each basin facing different challenges, the department adopted an approach initially pioneered by the Napa Natural Resource Conservation District in California, focusing less on management and more on stewardship. This perspective focused on local input and a ground up approach, by encouraging regional watershed management groups to form, developing their own priorities and management strategies. The Department provided technical assistance to these groups, and funding to study the watershed’s water resources.
Governor Jane Dee Hull created the Arizona Rural Watershed Initiative in 1999 to provide funds to develop regional and watershed solutions through locally driven partnerships. The groups were made up of many diverse interests and stakeholders in each watershed, with a shared concern for the future water resources. Over time the number of active watershed groups around the state has fluctuated, and the Department continues to support existing and new initiatives where possible.