Assigned to NREW FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1432
assured water; small residential developments..
Purpose
Outlines requirements for a building permit applicant for six or more residences within an
active management area (AMA) to apply for and obtain a certificate of assured water supply before
presenting the permit application for approval.
Background
The Arizona Groundwater Management Act of 1980 designated AMAs to conserve, protect
and allocate the use of groundwater resources in Arizona and to provide a framework for the
comprehensive management and regulation of the withdrawal, transportation, use, conservation
and conveyance of rights to use the groundwater in Arizona (A.R.S. § 45-401). An AMA is a
geographical area that has been designated as requiring active management of groundwater, or in
the case of the Santa Cruz AMA, active management of any water, other than stored water,
withdrawn from a well (A.R.S. § 45-402).
The Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) designates a
municipality or private water company in an AMA as having an assured water supply if the
municipality or private water company meets the criteria of an assured water supply. If a person
proposes to offer subdivided lands for sale or lease in an AMA, the person must first apply for and
obtain a Certificate of Assured Water Supply from ADWR or a written commitment of water
service for the subdivision from a city, town or private water company designated as having an
assured water supply. A city, town or county may only approve a subdivision plat if the subdivider
has obtained a Certificate of Assured Water Supply from ADWR, or the subdivider has obtained
written commitment of water service for the subdivision from a city, town or private water
company designated as having an assured water supply (A.R.S. § 45-576).
An assured water supply is sufficient groundwater, surface water or effluent of adequate
quality that will be continuously available to satisfy the water needs of the proposed used for at
least 100 years that is consistent with the management plan and achievement of the management
goal for the AMA and that the financial capability has been demonstrated to construct the water
facilities necessary for the proposed use, including a delivery system and any storage facilities or
treatment works (A.R.S. § 45-576).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
FACT SHEET
S.B. 1432
Page 2
Provisions
1. Requires a person that seeks a building permit for six or more residences within an AMA in an
unincorporated area of a county, without regard to any proposed lease term for those
residences, to apply for and obtain a certificate of assured water supply before presenting the
permit application for approval, unless the applicant has obtained a written commitment of
water service for the residences from a city, town or private water company designated as
having an assured water supply.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 14, 2023
RA/slp