AWWA ACE61780

The story of human settlement in the southwest, and in particular in Arizona, isinextricably tied to the water availability. The relative scarcity in arid environments hasled to seemingly endless disputes, complex regulatory mechanisms and public policydebates. The result, in the past century, has been the emergence of a system of seeminglyfragmented laws, regulations, court decrees and institutions that embodies the definitionof "Byzantine complexity." This paper looks at water rights andallocation 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 ofwater that are regulated, and a brief history of applicable laws. Major sources includegroundwater, surface water, effluent (or "reclaimed" water), and Colorado River water.Each source has been the independent focus of highly debated regulations, court casesand compacts dating back to 1919 when the state's surface water law was enacted. Amajor focus in the State's central basin aquifers in the past 20 years has been theimplementation of the 1980 Groundwater Code.The emergence of a veritable "alphabet soup" of water-related institutions has broughtwith it additional complexities and challenges. Districts, private utilities, associations,Indian communities, non-profit groups and a myriad of governmental organizations at alllevels 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 meetthese needs. Among these tools are the State's underground storage (recharge)program, water exchange guidelines, water augmentation and replenishment districts, andboth "in-state" and "interstate" water banking strategies. Many of these strategiessupport the State's assured water supply regulations, which mandate the use ofpredominantly 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 asrural water supply pressures, Indian water right settlements, environmental needs,drought planning considerations and the general political landscape. Includes abstract only.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

06/17/2005

Number of Pages:

1

File Size:

1 file , 310 KB