Ground Water in Arizona

STATUS: The ground water laws in Arizona have never been firmed as to
direction of responsibility and best use of the resource. With Arizona's urban
and agricultural growth, not to mention mining use, the ground water supply
has undergone tremendous strains. Water is being over pumped and also
"transported" from one watershed or basin to adjoining basins for use. The
boundaries for ground water use are not defined and gross overuse in some
instances is taking place. No complete assessment has been made to determine
the amounts or the recharge of ground water basins in Arizona.

POLICY: The Coconino NRCD has taken a firm position on ground water in the
District. The ground water supply must be assessed as accurately as possible and
a conservative use level determined to allow for possible error in assessment and
low recharge years. Ground water use must be below potential and remain
that way.

IMPLEMENTATION: 1) The District will take a firm position on new
developments. The developments encouraged to have a proven water source which
has been researched and is within the potential of wells. 2) The U.S. Geological
Sunrey is encouraged to finish the assessment ofthe ground water possibilities in
the District. 3) The City of Flagstaff as well as other towns in the District need to
be instructed as to the amount of growth possible and the types of industries
allowable under these possibilities. 4) Ground water legislation must be
implemented on the, i.e. basin, level; our local legislators will be contacted and
convinced that their help is imperative in achieving this. 5) The NRCDs should
be involved in helping set up boundaries for basin use by participating in
hearings and other meetings regarding ground water boundaries. The importance
of hydrological boundaries will be stressed. 6) The Coconino NRCD will provide
information on the ground water situation to the people in the District
when possible.