Guide to Water Laws and Well Share Rights in Arizona
Arizona faces real challenges regarding a sustainable water supply for the growing population. The state has developed aggressive water supply management plans and policies to ensure the continued success of business, government, and residential development throughout the state. This presents unique challenges for a new business, landowner or farmer if it is attempting to secure water-use rights or renegotiate a well share agreement in Arizona. Here are some important things to understand about water laws and well share rights in Arizona:
Understanding the Arizona Department of Water Resources
The state of Arizona created the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to plan and implement strategies and policies for the long-term sustainability of water supplies throughout the state. The necessity of meeting the future water demands of residents, individual homeowners, landowners, farmers, private businesses, and public entities in Arizona requires the interaction of federal, state, and local governments.
The ADWR website is a great resource for anything regarding water laws and well share rights in Arizona. The site is routinely updated with Arizona water news and offers a vast array of detailed water use reports and up to date water supply maps. There is even an option to submit many basic applications online. However, water laws and well share rights are complicated. It is generally best to have an experienced attorney review any Arizona applications or proposals regarding water rights before final submission.
Water Laws in Arizona
The state of Arizona has the most comprehensive water supply management laws in the nation. With a growing population and an increasing demand for water, the state of Arizona has many obvious challenges when it comes to a sustainable water supply. Water laws in the state are complex and involve navigating many different government entities if you own land outside of an active management area, operate a family farm or manage a large corporation.
The state of Arizona has valid concerns about meeting the future demand for water. However, your business or land should be able to get access to the water needed to operate. Our firm has significant experience with the complexities of local and state water laws, including groundwater use, obtaining adequate rights to water supply, and water-use compliance issues. Our attorneys can help you plan and prepare a proposal for projects that will require water-use permits and defend against new potential restrictions on an existing business.
Water Laws and Well Share Rights in Arizona
Water laws and well share rights are especially complex in Arizona, whether you are applying for a new water-use permit or attempting to renegotiate a long-standing well share agreement. Existing well share laws often date back decades through agreements among former landowners. They will generally require a careful review of all existing agreements and how they hold up against current local and state well share laws. If you are considering the purchase of a business or plot of land with an existing well share agreement, our firm can provide a detailed report of your well share rights and responsibilities and examine potential legal issues. This review can save you from many potential issues and legal conflicts down the road and prepare you for many of the challenges you’ll face with the well share agreement.
Find an Experienced Attorney for Water Laws and Well Share Rights in Arizona
MacQueen & Gottlieb has substantial experience with the complexities of water laws and well share rights in Arizona. Our firm has represented clients with a broad array of water and well-related legal matters. Our attorneys can review a potential project for the legal implications regarding the water supply for a development, property, farm, or business. MacQueen & Gottlieb can represent you or your company in a well share dispute or renegotiation. Contact us today at 602-533-2840 to schedule an initial consultation or make an appointment online.
Resources for Arizona Water Laws and Well Share Rights
Arizona Department of Water Resources News
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality – Water Quality Division
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