AWWA ACE61780

The story of human settlement in the southwest, and in particular in Arizona, is inextricably tied to the water availability. The relative scarcity in arid environments has led to seemingly endless disputes, complex regulatory mechanisms and public policy debates. The result, in the past century, has been the emergence of a system of seemingly fragmented laws, regulations, court decrees and institutions that embodies the definition of "Byzantine complexity." This paper looks at water rights and allocation processes as they affect urban development and water supply planning efforts. An overview of water rights in Arizona begins with a description of the categories of water that are regulated, and a brief history of applicable laws. Major sources include groundwater, surface water, effluent (or "reclaimed" water), and Colorado River water. Each source has been the independent focus of highly debated regulations, court cases and compacts dating back to 1919 when the state's surface water law was enacted. A major focus in the State's central basin aquifers in the past 20 years has been the implementation of the 1980 Groundwater Code. The emergence of a veritable "alphabet soup" of water-related institutions has brought with it additional complexities and challenges. Districts, private utilities, associations, Indian communities, non-profit groups and a myriad of governmental organizations at all levels participate in the management of water rights to protect the interests of various "populations." As further challenges in managing water supplies develop, new tools emerge to meet these needs. Among these tools are the State's underground storage (recharge) program, water exchange guidelines, water augmentation and replenishment districts, and both "in-state" and "interstate" water banking strategies. Many of these strategies support the State's assured water supply regulations, which mandate the use of predominantly non-groundwater supplies for new growth in certain portions of the state. The overview will conclude with a brief summary of the status of current issues such as rural water supply pressures, Indian water right settlements, environmental needs, drought planning considerations and the general political landscape. Includes abstract only.