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La Paz County urges residents to back ADWR hearing seeking basin protections
Summary
Supervisors highlighted an ADWR public hearing Dec. 18 in Brenda on protections for La Paz County groundwater basins, urged support letters and attendance to prevent future transfers and large outside water users, and distributed a University of Arizona briefing on county water issues.
La Paz County supervisors and staff urged residents to take part in an Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) public hearing on Dec. 18 in Brenda as officials push to secure statutory protections for local groundwater basins.
Supervisor 1 told the board the hearing will be held at the Desert Gold RV Park and encouraged people to submit support letters or attend in person. "ADWR did announce a public hearing for December 18," Supervisor 1 said, adding the county’s open comment period is active and materials from the University of Arizona are available.
The discussion centered on preventing large outside water users from obtaining rights to pump in La Paz County. Supervisor 1 said the county has three basins that are "in statute for transfer," with one basin not yet protected. "So this will prevent any future major water users ... to be able to come into La Paz County and pump," the supervisor said, urging support for protections.
The board also noted past litigation and environmental-review discussions affecting transfers. Supervisor 1 recalled efforts to pause water transfers while a full environmental assessment was prepared, and said courtroom rulings allowed operations to continue during the process.
Why it matters: The ADWR hearing and any formal transfers could change who may legally withdraw water from local basins and affect long-term water availability for county residents, agriculture and local businesses. Staff distributed a University of Arizona handout summarizing La Paz County water basins and local recommendations.
What happens next: The public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 18; county staff asked residents and local organizations to file comments and support letters before or at the hearing. The board did not take a formal vote on an ordinance or resolution at the meeting.
