Arizona Senate passes ag-to-urban bill that would let builders tap farmers' water

On June 19, the Arizona Senate passed a bill enabling developers to tap into water rights from retired farmland for new housing in Pinal and Maricopa counties. This bipartisan effort, which includes the support of Governor Katie Hobbs, seeks to reduce water usage by transitioning agricultural water supplies to urban development. The amended "ag-to-urban" proposal establishes a framework for sustainable urban growth while addressing previous groundwater depletion concerns. Key amendments limit the distance from which water can be sourced and require replenishment of pumped groundwater. The Gila River Indian Community endorsed the new bill, recognizing its collaborative development process.

Senator T. J. Shope, the bill's sponsor, highlighted the initiative as a common-sense approach to future water policy. The proposal could affect hundreds of thousands of acres, providing farmland owners a retirement option. Overall, the bill aims to balance urban expansion with water conservation efforts.