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Arizona Officials May Pause New Construction in Response to Declining Groundwater Supply
According to a report by the Associated Press, Arizona officials may not be able to approve new construction in some of the fastest-growing parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area that rely on groundwater in response to dwindling supply. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs made the announcement when the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) released a new report that outlined how the groundwater supply in Arizona is going to continue declining without further intervention.
Demand for Groundwater on the Rise
The new report warned that demand for almost 4.9 million acre-feet of groundwater might remain unmet in the Phoenix area over the next 100 years, as a single acre-foot of water is enough water for about two US households per year. The report also emphasized that groundwater is a finite resource and could take thousands of years to replenish in underground aquifers. As a result, Arizona officials are adopting measures to conserve existing supplies while exploring alternative sources of water.
Pause on Some Unapproved Development
Developers in proposed subdivisions that have not yet attained a certificate of assured water supply cannot rely on groundwater as a water source to obtain one. Construction can still occur in the affected areas if developers find alternative sources of water, like surface water or recycled water. About 80,000 unbuilt homes on sites that have a “Certificate of Assured Water Supply” which the state’s water agency uses to regulate water will not be paused because they have proven that they can provide water well into the future.
Water Sustainability Vs. Growth
The Governor emphasized that this pause will not affect growth within major cities where robust water portfolios have been proven to cover current and future demands. However, the depletion of groundwater in Arizona comes after years of overuse, a quickly growing metropolitan area, and several years of drought. Developers in the past have relied on groundwater access for building projects in the past because it has been cheaper and easier for them, and officials hope these measures will help strike a balance between water sustainability and continued growth.
The Bigger Picture
Arizona has other sources of water, but they’re also strained. The Colorado River, which provides water to Arizona and other surrounding states, is still drought-stricken. Last month, officials in Arizona, California, and Nevada proposed a plan to significantly reduce water usage from the river through the end of 2026. Governor Hobbs has also announced a $40 million investment to further help the state with water conservation.
Conclusion
With the declining groundwater supply in Arizona and other states in the South-west, measures like this pause on some new construction are necessary to help conserve existing supplies. There is a need to balance expansion with conservation of water resources so that future generations can inherit a sustainable environment.
FAQ
1. Why are Arizona officials pausing new construction?
Arizona officials are pausing new construction in some of the fastest-growing parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area that rely on groundwater in response to a dwindling water supply.
2. Why is there a declining groundwater supply in Arizona?
Arizona’s groundwater supply is declining due to overuse, a swiftly growing metropolitan area, and several years of drought.
3. Can developers continue to build in affected areas where groundwater supply is scarce?
Developers in proposed subdivisions that have not yet attained a certificate of assured water supply cannot rely on groundwater as a water source to obtain one. But construction can still occur in the affected areas if developers find alternative sources of water, like surface water or recycled water.
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