Assigned to NREW FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
REVISED
FACT SHEET FOR H.C.R. 2051
rural communities; groundwater; tools
Purpose
Expresses the opinion of the Legislature that Arizona's rural communities have the
necessary tools to address groundwater supplies and ensure future water security.
Background
A large portion of the world's fresh water resides underground, stored within cracks and
pores in the rock that make up the Earth's crust. Half of the U.S. population relies on ground water
for domestic uses. In many parts of the United States, people rely on ground water for drinking,
irrigation, industry and livestock. This is particularly true in areas with limited precipitation,
limited surface water resources, or high demand from agriculture and growing populations (U.S.
EPA).
An aquifer is a geologic formation that contains sufficient saturated material to be capable
of storing water and transmitting water in usable quantities to a well (A.R.S. § 45-802.01).
Stressors that can deplete aquifers include: 1) changes in precipitation and snowmelt patterns;
2) withdrawal of ground water for drinking, irrigation and other human uses; and 3) impervious
paved surfaces that prevent precipitation from recharging ground water. Some deep aquifers may
take thousands of years to replenish (U.S. EPA).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
• Resolves that the Legislature and the local communities in Arizona have provided and will
continue to provide rural communities in Arizona with an abundance of tools to adequately
manage and address their groundwater resources, both now and in the future.
Revisions
• Removes the requirement for voter approval.
House Action
NREW 2/13/24 DP 6-4-0-0
3
rd
Read 2/28/24 31-28-0-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 20, 2024
RA/KP/slp