Efforts to explore possible water management changes are underway in the Willcox Groundwater Basin following statements from Governor Katie Hobbs and community stakeholders recognizing the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). This initiative addresses the groundwater depletion affecting local livelihoods. "When I traveled to Willcox, I heard stories from farmers, local well owners, and a bipartisan group of elected officials who are concerned about their community’s future because of groundwater depletion," Governor Hobbs commented, according to an announcement from the Governor's office.
The situation has not gone unnoticed by the Governor, who visited the affected basin to observe the impacts of excessive groundwater pumping, including dried-up wells and significant earth fissures. Hobbs emphasized the necessity for bipartisan cooperation in her statement, saying, "I won’t. I know protecting our water isn’t a Democratic or a Republican issue, it’s an Arizona issue," in a statment obtained by the Governor's office. The action signifies a critical step towards potential regulation through the designation of an Active Management Area (AMA), as the Department welcomes public commentary in advance of a November public hearing.
According to the announcement, local residents and business owners voiced their support for this development. Mark Jorve, owner of Zarpara Vineyard, shared his perspective, "An AMA designation would finally put us on a path to stabilizing this precious and shared resource to safeguard local growers and business owners." Moreover, Steve Kisiel, a Willcox basin homeowner, expressed a renewed sense of hope, stating, "Today’s announcement by ADWR to initiate the AMA designation process gives me hope that we will finally have a secure water future here in the Willcox Basin."
The November 22 hearing provides an opportunity for individuals to share their views directly with the ADWR, with the goal of developing a viable path forward for water management in the region. Additional information on the groundwater conditions affecting the Willcox Basin is available on the Governor's office official website.
