Arizona Strengthens Groundwater Management as Water Supply Concerns Grow
Arizona continues to strengthen its approach to groundwater management as population growth, drought, and declining groundwater levels put increasing pressure on the state’s water supplies.
The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) is continuing to update groundwater models and long-term water-supply projections, particularly in heavily populated areas such as the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA). In 2026, ADWR released an updated Phoenix AMA groundwater model and a new 100-year Assured Water Supply projection to evaluate future pumping, recharge, and water availability.
Why Groundwater Management Matters
Groundwater is an important part of Arizona’s water supply, particularly in areas experiencing rapid growth and limited surface-water resources. Arizona’s Active Management Areas were established to address significant groundwater depletion and promote long-term water management.
One of Arizona’s longstanding protections requires developers in Active Management Areas to demonstrate a 100-year assured water supply for new development. This requirement dates back to the state’s Groundwater Management Act of 1980 and is designed to help ensure that water supplies are available for future residents.
Recent Developments
In January 2026, Arizona designated the Ranegras Plain Groundwater Basin as the state’s eighth Active Management Area after the Arizona Department of Water Resources found significant groundwater declines and land subsidence in the basin. The designation brings additional groundwater management requirements to the area.
Arizona lawmakers also considered several groundwater and water-supply measures during the 2026 legislative session, including legislation concerning assured water supplies, groundwater management, and Colorado River water resources. According to ADWR, the 2026 legislative session ended on June 13, 2026, with the general effective date for legislation passed during the session set for September 12, 2026.
What This Means for Arizona Communities
For homeowners, community associations, developers, and local governments, continued groundwater management could have long-term implications for development, landscaping, water conservation, and community planning.
Arizona’s water-supply programs are intended to encourage responsible growth while protecting existing homeowners and ensuring that future development has adequate water supplies. ADWR says its Assured Water Supply program is designed as a consumer-protection program to ensure water supplies are available in advance of growth.
Bottom Line
Arizona’s water challenges are ongoing, and groundwater management will remain an important issue for communities across the state. As regulations and water-supply policies continue to evolve, homeowners and community associations should stay informed about conservation requirements and developments that may affect their communities.