September 11, 2023 — Arizona’s Attorney General, Kris Mayes, has expressed concern over the regulation of the state’s rural groundwater supply. In a letter sent on April 27, 2023, to Tom Buschatzke, the Director of the Department of Water Resources
Mayes also highlighted the growing trend of hedge funds and similar entities purchasing land near the Colorado River, possibly intending to transfer water rights away from the river. She cited ADWR’s approval of a water transfer from GSC Farm LLC in Cibola Valley to Queen Creek in September 2020 and the introduction of Substantive Policy Statement No. CR 11 that governs such transfers. Mayes believes ADWR needs to assess the cumulative impact of these transfers on both the local communities and the river itself, and she recommends a policy revision.
Following reports of groundwater pumping by Saudi Arabian entities, Mayes suggested improved collaboration between ADWR and the State Land Department, especially concerning well-drilling applications in La Paz County. A meeting between the two departments is already in the pipeline for a more detailed discussion.
Recent bills in the State legislature have aimed to address the rural groundwater regulation issue. Rep. Gail Griffin, R-Hereford, however, raised concerns in an opinion piece for the Arizona Capitol Times
Currently, Arizona has six AMAs
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