If you live in Douglas or the Douglas Groundwater Basin, then you will see a ballot measure on your November 2022 ballot asking you to vote on changing the Douglas INA into an AMA.
The first question to consider is the difference between an INA (Irrigated Non-Expansion Area) and an AMA (Active Management Area). An AMA means the Assured Water Supply rules are in place and used to manage water. Developers need to prove there is a 100-year assured water supply. Wells are monitored and registered and Exempt Wells are private, domestic wells that pump 35 gal/minute or less.
INAs with insufficient groundwater and limitations on new agricultural land irrigation at the current rate of groundwater withdrawal. The purpose of an INA is to preserve irrigation for cultivated lands.
To learn more about Water in Arizona, download and read the WeSERV Government Affairs information flyer Water in Arizona.
One part of your consideration as a voter is that an AMA would supersede the INA, so all INA rules and determinations would be replaced by the AMA rules and determinations.
Since the County Recorder published the Call for Elections in July, irrigation rules have changed within the INA so that lands irrigated within the last 5 years are able to irrigate. That rule would remain in place if the AMA is created. The exception is if there was substantial capital investment in the past 12 months to on site irrigation facilities.
The ADWR (Arizona Department of Water Resources) explains the rules for an exempt domestic well allowed under AMA rules.
Should an AMA be approved, people with grandfathered rights must claim those rights within 15 months of the AMA designation.
You can find more information about the ballot measure and water in the Douglas Basin at these websites:
ADWR
Cochise County Elections
The Petition to create the AMA
ASU AZ Water Blueprint Map
ASU Water Blueprint Updates
WeSERV Government Affairs is interested in your thoughts and comments regarding this ballot measure. Please let us know your concerns, your comments and thoughts on this proposal. Email WeSERV Government Affairs at weservgad@weserv.realtor.