Water in Arizona

Title: Water in Arizona

Course Description: This mandatory 1-hour  General Continuing Education course provides real estate agents in Arizona with essential knowledge about water resources, rights, and regulations impacting property transactions in the state. Agents will learn about Arizona’s Assured Water Supply program, groundwater management, and important considerations when dealing with water-related issues in real estate transactions.

Course Outline:

1. Basics of Arizona Water Resources
   • Define AMA (Active Management Area) & INA (Irrigation Non-expansion Area).
   • Identify the 6 AMAs in Arizona.
   • Discuss AMA goals and their impact on development.
   • Explain INAs, their purpose, rights to contract for INA water, and water use within INAs.
2. Water Delivery Systems
   • Identify the water distribution system for properties.
   • Define Groundwater, Assured Water Supply (AWS), Adequate Water Supply (AWS), Surface Water, and Hauled Water.
   • Discuss water rights and permissible water uses for properties.
   • Outline water-related fees beyond municipal water billing (e.g., CFDs, Improvement Districts, HOA fees).
3. Additional Water Considerations
   • Discuss Grandfathered Water Rights and the preservation process.
   • Identify water priority in Arizona.
   • Explore potential changes to Arizona’s Assured Water Supply law, including the Alternative Path to Designation of Assured Water Supply (ADAWS).
   • Review sources of information on water issues, including proposed commingling for water certificates in Phoenix and Pinal AMAs.
4. Resources for Further Information
   • Provide a resource list including:
     • WeSERV Flyer on the DRE website
     • Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR)
     • Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC)
     • Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Superfund map
     • Relevant sections of Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS)
     • Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) on azleg.gov
     • Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) Website
     • Irrigation districts and wetlands information
     • Surface watersheds map from ADWR
     • Arizona Department of Agriculture resources
     • University of Arizona resources on wells, agriculture, and precision farming
     • Bureau of Reclamation resources

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the basics of Arizona’s water management areas and their goals.
• Explain the types of water resources and delivery systems in Arizona.
• Identify water rights, uses, and associated fees affecting real estate transactions.
• Discuss key considerations and potential changes in Arizona’s Assured Water Supply law.
• Access and utilize various resources for further information on water-related issues in real estate.

Conclusion: By the end of this course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Arizona’s water management systems, rights, and regulatory frameworks. They will be equipped with practical insights and resources to effectively advise clients, mitigate risks, and facilitate successful real estate transactions in Arizona’s diverse and evolving water landscape.