In November, voters will be asked to vote yes or no on the establishment of an Active Management Area (AMA) in the Willcox Basin.
Ahead of this vote, the City of Willcox held an information meeting hosted by ADWR on Tuesday, August 16th.
Meeting Replay
https://new.azwater.gov/meetings/adwr-informational-public-meeting-proposed-subsequent-amas
What is an AMA?
Active Management Areas were created in the State’s Groundwater Management Code, passed into law in 1980. This legislation “was designed to control severe groundwater depletion and to provide the means for allocating the state’s groundwater resources effectively to meet future needs.” Active Management Areas are governed by a Groundwater Users Advisory Commission (GUAC), appointed by the Governor, and advised by an Area Director, appointed by the Director of ADWR. The Groundwater Users Advisory Commission will create overall goals and Management Plans. The exact specifics of the goals and Management Plans will be determined by the GUAC, however, some components are standard across AMAs. For instance, groundwater is assigned as a property right and all water pumped from a non-exempt well (well that pumps more than 35 gallons per minute) must be approved through a grandfather right, service area permit, or a withdrawal permit. Meters and reporting requirements would ensure compliance with pumping standards set. Only land irrigated during the 5 years prior to the call of the AMA election would be allowed to be irrigated upon establishment of the AMA, unless a substantial capital investment was made to the land during a limited window.
More information can be found here: FAQ for Willcox AMA
A. R. S. 45 Groundwater Management Code - See Chapter 2, Article 2
Email questions to: Natalie Mast, AMA Director nlmast@azwater.gov
Where is the Willcox Basin?
The entire City of Willcox is included in the Willcox Basin as is the northern portion of Sulphur Springs Valley. This includes Bonita, Sunsites/Pearce, Sunizona, Dos Cabezas, and Kansas Settlement.
