Arizona’s Rural Communities Gain a Voice in Groundwater Allocation with New Bill

In a significant move for rural communities in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs unveiled the Rural Groundwater Management Act of 2025 on Thursday. This bipartisan legislation aims to empower local residents to manage their groundwater resources effectively.

The act enables rural Arizonans to establish water management programs with the authority to oversee conservation initiatives aimed at reducing groundwater consumption and enhancing aquifer health, as detailed by the Governor’s Office. Senate Bill 1425 outlines the creation of councils consisting of five members for each program, selected by leadership from both chambers of the Arizona Legislature.

Governor Hobbs emphasized the necessity of this legislation to safeguard rural groundwater from over-exploitation by out-of-state corporations, which have historically diverted significant water resources for crop production to support their primary operations elsewhere. Additionally, the act allocates funding specifically for voluntary water conservation, aquifer recharge efforts, and water reuse programs within rural areas.

The legislation is poised to implement protective measures for regions facing significant water shortages, including the Gila Bend Basin, Hualapai Valley Basin, Ranegras Plain Basin, and San Simon Valley Sub-basin. Hobbs’ administration places a strong emphasis on water conservation, exemplified by her establishment of the Willcox Groundwater Basin as an Active Management Area last December. Recently, she also rolled out a $60.3 million investment program focused on water protection through advanced technological solutions and infrastructure enhancements.

During the press conference, Hobbs urged the legislature to expedite the passage of this act, warning that inaction might force her to designate more areas as Active Management Areas. “Resolving this through legislation remains my priority,” she stated. “I’ve been clear about my resolve to protect our water future.”

Support for the legislation transcends party lines. Prescott Mayor Phil Goode highlighted this unity, insisting that water sustainability is a fundamental issue for all Arizonans. “There isn’t Democratic water and Republican water; there is water for our state,” he noted.

Senator Priya Sundareshan, a key sponsor of the bill, criticized the prolonged inertia since the Groundwater Management Act of 1980. She expressed pride in leading efforts to finally address the pressing call for updated groundwater protections. “Time and again, their cries for help have been caught amid political negotiations,” she explained. “I’m proud to say those days are over.”

Travis Lingenfelter, a Mojave County Supervisor, underscored the importance of this legislative change in curbing the detrimental impact of out-of-state corporate practices on local groundwater resources. “Over 70% of the Hualapai Basin’s annual groundwater pumping deficit is linked to these international interests,” he revealed.

Ultimately, the passage of this legislation is aimed at ensuring a sustainable future where Arizonans can thrive without the fear of depleting their essential water resources. Sen. Sundareshan concluded, “We must ensure future generations can raise families and establish roots in Arizona without the concern that their water supply will be compromised.”