Arizona Takes a Bold Step in Rural Water Management

Governor Katie Hobbs has introduced the Rural Groundwater Management Act (RGMA), a bipartisan effort to address groundwater depletion in rural Arizona. The legislation, developed with input from state lawmakers, county officials, and agricultural leaders, aims to give local communities greater control over their water management.

A New Approach to Groundwater Protection

The RGMA establishes Rural Groundwater Management Areas (RGMAs), a flexible alternative to existing Active Management Areas (AMAs) and Irrigation Non-Expansion Areas (INAs). These RGMAs will allow rural communities to implement conservation programs and set local water management goals.

“Rural Arizonans are fed up with seeing their wells go dry,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “This bill creates common-sense solutions to protect our rural way of life and ensure water for future generations.”

Key Features of the RGMA

• Local Decision-Making: A five-member RGMA Council, made up of local water users and residents, will oversee groundwater management.
• Water Conservation Programs: Large water users will participate in programs aimed at reducing groundwater depletion.
• Stronger Protections: The bill closes vulnerable basins to new, large-scale water extraction.
• Adaptable Management: Conservation programs will be reviewed and adjusted every ten years.
• Funding for Conservation Efforts: The state will provide financial support for water conservation, aquifer recharge, and reuse projects.

Bipartisan Support for Rural Water Solutions

Legislators from both parties support the RGMA as a much-needed response to Arizona’s groundwater crisis. Senator Priya Sundareshan and Representative Chris Mathis, who are sponsoring the bill, emphasized its importance in giving rural communities control over their water resources.

Prescott Mayor Phil Goode reinforced that water is not a partisan issue. “Rural communities must have the opportunity to control their future,” he said.

With groundwater depletion threatening homes, farms, and businesses, the Rural Groundwater Management Act is critical to securing Arizona’s water future. The bill now moves forward for legislative approval.