What must be demonstrated for a water supply to be considered assured in Arizona?

For a water supply to be classified as assured in Arizona, it is essential to demonstrate the future availability of groundwater resources. This is critical because Arizona's water management policies aim to ensure that developers and property owners can provide enough water for their needs, particularly in areas where water scarcity may be a concern.

Assuring future groundwater availability involves a thorough analysis of the aquifer's capacity, recharge rates, and usage patterns to determine if the groundwater can sustainably support intended withdrawals over time. This means assessing not just current water levels but also long-term trends and the impact of potential new extractions on the aquifer's health.

In contrast, the other options do not fulfill the requirement for demonstrated assured water supply. Proper construction of storage facilities is important for managing water but does not guarantee that water resources will be available in the long term. Consistent rainfall patterns may contribute to surface water availability but do not directly address the sustainability of groundwater supplies in arid regions like Arizona. Lastly, while legal ownership of water rights is crucial for access to water, it does not alone ensure that these sources can continue to meet demand in the future. Thus, future availability of groundwater resources is the key aspect that must be demonstrated for a water supply to be considered assured in Arizona