Arizona House Approves Major Water Bill to Tackle Crucial Questions on State’s Future

By Daniel Stefanski |

Arizona lawmakers are grappling with a pressing question: how much water is available in the state? A group of House Republicans recently reached out to the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), seeking crucial data about groundwater basins across Arizona. Their inquiry included specifics such as average and maximum depths of each basin, total groundwater volume, and the number of index wells.

The request was led by State Representative Gail Griffin, Senator Tim Dunn, and former Senator Sine Kerr, who forwarded their letter to ADWR on December 23, 2024. Griffin emphasized the importance of this information for Arizonans. She remarked, “For the last two years, none of the Department’s assessments have included essential details like ‘how much water do we have’ and ‘how long will that water last.’ This constitutes a fundamental component of the supply-demand equation.”

According to a press release from House Republicans, ADWR responded preliminarily, revealing the number of active index wells and the maximum depth of basins like Wilcox and Gila Bend, which reach depths of 4,800 feet. However, the department has yet to disclose the total groundwater volume available at these depths.

Griffin has expressed dissatisfaction with this incomplete information. She stated, “Just because you drill a well does not guarantee abundant water supply. Both Republicans and Democrats agree that knowing how much water is available is critical for informed groundwater policy decisions. We need this information to plan effectively for the future.”

In response to the existing knowledge gap, Griffin introduced House Bill 2271 (HB 2271) this legislative session. The bill aims to revise the five-year Supply and Demand Assessment requirements, mandating that ADWR includes vital groundwater data in its reports. Should the bill become law, it would address fundamental questions about water availability and longevity at current usage rates, facilitating informed decision-making for rural Arizona regarding groundwater recharge, replenishment, and reuse strategies.

Highlighting the necessity for accurate data, Griffin noted, “We recognize that additional efforts might be needed to collect this information, but it is essential for us to perform our duties effectively. We believe that with time and resources, the Department can make science-based decisions, leading to productive discussions for everyone involved.”

Last week, HB 2271 received approval from the Arizona House of Representatives.