Arizona Water Laws Flashcards
Acre-foot
The volume of water equal to an area of 1 acre with a depth of 1 foot (43,560 cubic feet) and equal to 325,850 gallons
Active Management Areas
Five Arizona areas where the withdrawal of groundwater is limited (Prescott, Phoenix, Pinal County, Santa Cruz county, tucson
Adequate Water Supply Program
Act as a consumer advisory program ensuring that potential real estate buyers are informed about any water supply limitations
Assured Water Supply Program
Functions to protect and preserve limited groundwater supplies within Arizona’s five AMA’s
Central Arizona Project (CAP)
The federal Bureau of Reclamation project to build the grand Canal that delivers water from the Colorado River to central Arizona
Colorado River Water
A category of surface water that is governed by federal law and administered by the Department of the interior through the Bureau of Reclamation
Exempt Domestic Well
A well not requiring any special permit, which may pump up to 35 gallons per minute
Grandfathered Rights
Written into the 1980 Groundwater Management Act to protect the rights of historic users while prohibiting new uses
Groundwater
All water under Earth’s surface except water flowing in underground streams with definite and ascertainable beds and banks
Irrigation Grandfathered Rights
Grandfathered water rights established in 1980 applicable to farming for cash crops
Potable Water
Safe drinking water
Type 1 Nonirrigation Grandfathered Rights
Occurs when a farm is converted to non-farming use
Type 2 Nonirrigation Grandfathered Rights
Arose from pre-1980 commercial uses that were not crop related
Water Table
The natural level at which water will be located, be it above or below the surface of the ground
