Modernizing Groundwater Management in Arizona

The Governor of Arizona initiated efforts to modernize groundwater management laws that have been in place for over 40 years, specifically the Arizona Groundwater Management Act established in 1980. This modernization aims to address the inadequacies in controlling groundwater pumping, especially in rural areas where local communities lack the resources to manage their water supplies. Current practices allow individuals to excessively pump groundwater without restrictions, posing risks to critical aquifers and contributing to significant environmental concerns. The formation of the Governor's Water Policy Council signifies a strategic move to review and potentially overhaul existing frameworks for better groundwater sustainability.