In 1980, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) was created to implement the Groundwater Management Code. ADWR is a regulatory agency that administers state water laws and compiles reports on status of water supplies. Groundwater pumping in the regulated AMAs requires a permit from ADWR. It collects state mandated withdrawal fees and oversees groundwater withdrawal and use reports. Groundwater use outside AMAs is not regulated and does not require any permit. However, drilling a well anywhere in the state requires that a Notice of Intent to Drill be filed with ADWR and is included on their well inventory.
The Department responsibilities include
1) Administers and enforces Arizona's groundwater code, and surface water rights laws (except those related to water quality);
2) Oversees the use of surface and groundwater resources under state jurisdiction;
3) Negotiates with external political entities to protect Arizona's Colorado River water supply;
4) Represents Arizona in discussions of water rights with the federal government;
5) Develops policies that promote conservation and equitable distribution of water;
6) Determines the status of all rights to surface water based upon state law and all claims to surface water based upon federal law within the river systems.
7) Conducts statewide water resource planning. These efforts include technical studies of local areas and assistance in projecting future water demands. ADWR produces the Arizona Water Resources Assessment, detailing the state's water status, for long-term planning.
8) ADWR provides staff support for the Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission, which was created to preserve and enhance flows in rivers and streams and their associated riparian habitats.
9) Other responsibilities include management of floodplains and non-federal dams to reduce loss of life and damage to property.
ADWR hydrologists serve as the technical arm of the department, collecting and analyzing statewide water resource data and maintaining the state's Groundwater Site Inventory (GWSI) database. Hydrologic conditions are calculated and analyzed in preparing reports in response to legislative and judicial request, public inquiries and water management planning efforts. ADWR hydrologists are often recruited to work on the scientific components of specific research projects and are also consulted in making determinations on permit applications.
Authority: ADWR is a division of the state government, administered by a Director who is appointed by the Governor.
Website:www.AzWater.gov