The Buzz
Arizona's 100-year water supply rule
Nov 22, 2024
Kathy Ferris, a senior research fellow at Arizona State University and co-author of the state's water law, joins environmental advocate Robin Silver and former city manager Chuck Patusik to discuss Arizona's critical 100-year water supply rule. They explore how this regulation impacts housing developments and urban planning amid water shortages. The conversation delves into the delicate balance between environmental preservation and economic growth, highlighting challenges facing the San Pedro River and the ongoing legal disputes over water resources.
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Quick takeaways
- Arizona's 100-year water supply rule mandates developers to secure a reliable water source for a century, promoting responsible growth.
- The reliance on groundwater for new developments poses sustainability challenges, exacerbated by dwindling renewable water supplies from the Colorado River.
Deep dives
The Origins and Implications of the 100-Year Water Rule
Arizona's 100-year water rule requires housing developers to demonstrate access to a reliable water supply for a century before new developments can proceed. This rule, established in the state's 1980 water law, was largely a response to concerns over groundwater depletion and aims to ensure sustainable water management. Originally viewed as an arbitrary yet suitable benchmark, the rule gained significance when housing developments in Phoenix faced delays due to re-examination of water supply claims. Kathy Ferris, one of the law's authors, explained that these efforts were largely driven by city officials in conjunction with farmers, who recognized the need for a regulated water supply to support both agriculture and community growth.
