Arizona Senate Passes Republican Bills to Improve Groundwater Planning, Protect Rural Water Access
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Senate Republicans are advancing practical, common-sense measures to strengthen Arizona's groundwater management, passing legislation today that enhances data-driven assessments of water supply and demand while providing regulatory clarity for rural ranching and farming operations.
The Senate approved SB 1202, sponsored by Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee Chairman T.J. Shope, which requires the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to conduct detailed, recurring water supply and demand assessments for all groundwater basins and active management areas. The measure mandates comprehensive reporting every five years—including metrics like average depth-to-static water levels, storage changes, and recharge rates—to provide better transparency and planning tools for sustainable water use across the state.
"Arizonans rely on reliable groundwater for agriculture, communities, and economic growth, but we need accurate, up-to-date data to manage it wisely," said Senator Shope. "This bill ensures ADWR delivers thorough assessments that inform decisions without adding unnecessary burdens, helping protect our most precious resource for future generations."
The Senate also approved SB 1287, sponsored by Senator Tim Dunn, which updates groundwater statutes in active management areas to allow limited withdrawals for domestic purposes and stock watering under irrigation grandfathered rights, tied to the date of an area's designation instead of relying on a single statewide 1980 eligibility date, allowing groundwater use to be evaluated based on when an area actually became subject to active management area regulations. This provides flexibility for rural landowners and ranchers in existing and future active management areas while preserving existing groundwater management protections.
"Ranchers and farmers in rural Arizona face real challenges from drought and regulatory hurdles, and they shouldn't be penalized for longstanding, incidental uses like watering livestock," said Senator Dunn. "This commonsense update preserves essential rural water access without compromising our long-term sustainability goals."
Together, these bills deliver balanced reforms that empower data-informed management while safeguarding family farms and rural livelihoods—ensuring Arizona's water policies support both conservation and economic vitality.
The legislation now advances to the House for further consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus