What is heavily regulated in Arizona?

In Arizona, groundwater is heavily regulated due to its critical importance to the state's water supply and overall economic stability. The regulation stems from the need to ensure sustainable management of water resources in a desert environment where water scarcity is a significant concern. The Groundwater Management Act of 1980 established specific management areas to regulate the withdrawal and use of groundwater, promoting conservation and the maintenance of adequate water supplies for future generations.

Groundwater regulation involves permitting systems, withdrawal limitations, and conservation practices that stakeholders must adhere to, making it a complex legal landscape. This framework aims to protect the resource from over-extraction and ensure its availability for agricultural, municipal, and industrial uses.

While surface water is also regulated, particularly in terms of its allocation and rights, it is not subject to the same stringent management measures as groundwater, especially in designated Active Management Areas. Rainwater harvesting and management and desalination technologies do exist in Arizona, but they tend to be less regulated compared to groundwater. Therefore, the focus on groundwater regulation reflects the unique challenges and needs presented by Arizona’s water landscape.