ADWR - News

August 7, 2008 -ADWR announced the appointment of Jeff Tannler as area director of the Tucson Active Management Area.

Jeff Tannler is from Seattle, and has been a Tucson resident since 1980. He has a B.S. in Watershed Management from the University of Arizona (1987).

Jeff joined the Tucson AMA office in 1988. He has been involved with a variety of projects and issues within the agency, and the water management arena for the past 20 years.

ADWR Issues Volume 4 of Arizona Water Atlas

March 29, 2007 - The Arizona Department of Water Resources has completed draft Volume 4 of a nine-volume set comprising the Arizona Water Atlas, Director Herb Guenther announced today.

The new volume covers the Upper Colorado River Planning Area, which runs from Peeples Valley southwest of Prescott, to Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, and Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, as well as the southern shores of Lake Mead. The eastern boundary of the planning area takes in Grand Canyon West south to Skull Valley. There are nine groundwater basins in the planning area and parts of Yavapai, Coconino, La Paz and Mohave counties.

Click here to view news release.

Prescott AMA newsletter publishes first edition

March 15, 2007 - The Prescott Active Management Area office published the first issue of its newsletter today. The newsletter is a four-page quarterly publication. Issue #1 contains information on the AMA and its water profile. Gerry Wildeman, Prescott AMA Area Director, said the staff is interested in collecting comments and suggestions for future editions.

ADWR cites, fines 8 golf courses for groundwater overuse

March 6, 2007 - Arizona Department of Water Resources staff determined eight Phoenix area golf courses committed groundwater use violations over the past four years. The Department issued citations, with fines totaling $58,812.50, ADWR Director Herb Guenther said. Click here to view news release.

Arizona Water Atlas Draft Volume III released - Southeastern Arizona Planning Area

November 20, 2006 - The Arizona Department of Water Resources has completed draft Volume III of a nine-volume set comprising the Arizona Water Atlas, Director Herb Guenther announced today.

The new volume covers the Southeastern Arizona Planning Area, which runs from near Globe to Arizona’s southeastern boundary with New Mexico and Mexico, and includes all of Cochise and parts of seven other counties. For study purposes, ADWR staff divided Arizona into seven planning areas, each containing multiple groundwater basins.

“This is a highly diverse area, with 10,000-foot mountains, valleys, riparian areas and large agricultural operations,” Guenther said. “It also is much like the rest of Arizona in that we anticipate there will be a large amount of growth in the next few decades.”

“We intend that this Atlas will become a dynamic project, constantly updated and revised as new information becomes available to us,” Guenther added.

Click here to view news release.

ADWR to hold public information meeting in Beaver Dam, AZ on November 28

November 7, 2006 - The Arizona Department of Water Resources will hold a public information meeting November 28 in Beaver Dam, AZ to discuss a pending water transportation application.

On March 15, 2005 ADWR received an application from Wind River Resources LLC to transport groundwater from Arizona to Nevada, specifically from Beaver Dam Wash to the Virgin Valley Water District in Mesquite, NV. The application was submitted under authority defined in Arizona Revised Statutes § 45-292.

Click here to view news release.

Director Guenther makes statewide speaking tour
October 27, 2006 - ADWR Director Herb Guenther continues a statewide speaking tour to discuss water management issues facing the state.

Guenther is discussing the work of the Statewide Water Advisory Group, a 54-member committee drawn from local, state, and federal government, business, and the general public.

The group has a working proposal under discussion and will continue meeting in hopes of creating a management plan that will accommodate rural Arizona's water needs in the face of unabated population growth.

The Director began the trek on October 12 in Safford, and has since visited Eagar, Snowflake/Taylor, Benson, Sierra Vista, Flagstaff, Kingman, Prescott, Cottonwood, and Payson.

Additional meetings will be scheduled for Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Window Rock.

Trends in Streamflow of the San Pedro River (USGS)

June 21, 2006 - Total annual streamflow of the San Pedro River at Charleston in southeastern Arizona decreased by about 66 percent from 1913 to 2002. (See USGS fact sheet )

The San Pedro River is one of the few remaining free-flowing perennial streams in the arid Southwestern United States, and the riparian forest along the river supports several endangered species and is an important habitat for migratory birds. The decreasing trend in streamflow has led to concerns that riparian habitat may be damaged and that overall long-term water supply for a growing population may be threatened. Resource managers and the public have an interest in learning more about the trend and the possible causes of the trend.

The U.S. Geological Survey investigated the decreasing trends in streamflow of the San Pedro River. Their study evaluated trends in seasonal streamflows and trends in the relation between precipitation and streamflow.

Possible factors that could have caused the decreasing trends in streamflow were trends in precipitation, changes in watershed characteristics, and human activities. The variation in streamflow caused by variation in precipitation was statistically removed. Thus, the remaining variation or trend in streamflow can be attributed to factors other than precipitation.

ADWR fines two Tucson golf courses for conservation violations

May 15, 2006 - Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Herb Guenther announced today that two Tucson area golf courses settled violations of ADWR's mandatory conservation requirements that occurred between 2002 and 2005.
Investigation found that the golf facilities - the Stone Canyon Club and the Golf Club at Vistoso - exceeded the annual groundwater use limits established in ADWR's Third Management Plan for the Tucson Active Management Area.
In reaching the settlement, ADWR agreed to waive half of the $173,025 in civil penalties accrued between 2002-2005. Efforts to improve course efficiency and the facilities’ recent switch from groundwater to reclaimed effluent played a big part in the agency’s decision to reduce the penalties, Guenther said.
News Release
Statewide Water Advisory Group formed

April 21, 2006 - Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Herb Guenther announced today formation of a Statewide Water Advisory Group to discuss programs needed to continue developing a reliable water supply for the future in non-urban areas.
The proposed 49-member group will draw from:

           The Governor’s office and state agencies,

         Legislators,

         The U.S. Army,

         Representatives from city and county government,

         Agriculture,

         Environmental organizations,

         Tribal officials, and

         Businesses and trade associations.

The initial meeting of the group will be held:

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday, May 5, 2006 at ADWR. News Release

Drought coordinating group holds initial meeting February 9

February 2, 2006 - The Arizona Drought Task Force Interagency Coordinating Group will hold its first meeting February 9 to begin assessing the need for drought preparedness.

“We’ve had more than 100 days without rain in the Valley,” said Herb Guenther, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources. “The seasonal outlook indicates these conditions will persist or even intensify throughout much of Arizona for an extended period of time.

“It’s time to begin considering a response to drought conditions,” Guenther added. News Release

Phelps Dodge’s Show Low Lake Case Concluded

October 20, 2005 - At the request of Phelps Dodge, the Superior Court Judge for the Little Colorado River Adjudication dismissed the Phelps Dodge case involving Show Low Lake.

By the order of Judge Eddward P. Ballinger, Jr. filed September 26, 2005, all proceedings in the Little Colorado River Adjudication relating to Phelps Dodge’s claim to water rights in Show Low Lake have ended, and the court will take no further action on matters pending in that case.

The court’s order follows Phelps Dodge’s decision to permanently abandon its Show Low Lake water rights, and transfer its property interests in Show Low Lake and dam to the City of Show Low. News Release

Sahuarita Agrees To Settle Excess-Use Violations at Lake Park

September 28, 2005 - The Town of Sahuarita has agreed to settle a case involving conservation requirements at the Town’s Lake Park through 2008, ADWR Director Herb Guenther said.

The artificial lake is supplied with groundwater and is subject to mandatory conservation requirements contained in ADWR’s Third Management Plan for the Tucson Active Management Area. Review by ADWR staff indicated that since 2002 the Lake Park has substantially exceeded its maximum annual water allotment.

In acknowledgement of the Town’s willingness to investigate the source of the lake seepage, and to rely entirely on recovered effluent as replacement water, ADWR has agreed to waive half of an estimated $74,500 in pending civil penalties and attach conditions to the remainder.

The Town has committed to fully offsetting its water use at the Park by recharging effluent generated at the Town’s wastewater treatment plant, beginning in 2006.

Williams City Dam Rated Most Unsafe

July 25, 2005 - Representatives of the Arizona Department of Water Resources will meet with officials from the city of Williams to discuss ways to improve conditions of City Dam.

The dam was recently rated as the number one unsafe dam in the state.

In a letter to the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) last week, a consulting engineer to the City of Williams characterized City Dam as being in “very hazardous condition.”

ADWR Director Herb Guenther said the department would be working with the City to reduce the risk of failure of City Dam. ADWR is responsible for the safety of dams under state jurisdiction.

“We are asking the City to de-water the dam as much as possible to reduce the risk until repair work can be accomplished” Guenther said.

“We understand this will cause inconvenience to the City and limit their operational flexibility, therefore it is vital that repairs take place as soon as possible.”

Gerry Wildeman to Head Prescott AMA

July 21, 2005 - Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Herb Guenther announced the appointment of Gerry Wildeman, a veteran ADWR employee, as Area Director of the Prescott Active Management Area.

“I am pleased to name someone of Gerry’s intelligence and experience to direct the operation of this essential area,” Guenther said. “The Prescott AMA presents most of the kinds of water management challenges rural Arizona will face in the 21st Century.”

Ms. Wildeman, 40, recently completed her doctoral studies in environmental planning from Arizona State University, has been at ADWR for the past 12 years, and currently works for the Arizona Water Banking Authority. She earned a master’s degree in forestry at Northern Arizona, and a bachelor’s in biology at ASU. She has two children.

During her tenure at ADWR, Ms. Wildeman has worked in the water rights adjudication section, conducting investigations of the Little Colorado River and Verde River watersheds, and served as manager of surface water rights, before taking the position she now holds with the water bank.

Rec Centers of Sun City Settlement

July 21, 2005 - The Arizona Department of Water Resources announced today that Recreation Centers of Sun City, Inc., has agreed to settle claims made by the State of Arizona regarding excess use of groundwater on the golf courses.

Under the settlement, the Recreation Centers of Sun City, Inc. will pay a penalty of approximately $5,000 for exceeding its groundwater withdrawal authorities under the Arizona Groundwater Management Act; “pay back” the aquifer 881 acre-feet of water for exceeding conservation requirements on the golf courses; and be on a probationary status for five years.

Recreation Centers of Sun City, Inc. is the owner and operator of Lakes East, Lakes West, North, Quail Run, Riverview, South, Willowbrook, and Willowcreek golf courses.

Workshop and Commission

May 25, 2005 - Go to the Arizona Water Banking Authority website for information on the Arizona Colorado River Shortage Workshop and the Indian Firming Study Commission.

CAGRD plan of operation

May 20, 2005 - ADWR will hold a series of hearings on the CAGRD plan of operation in late June.

Karen Smith Named Deputy Director

April 12, 2005 - Director Herb Guenther announced today he has named Karen Smith as Deputy Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

She previously served as Director of the Water Quality Division at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

“We’re fortunate to have someone of Karen’s caliber to join our management team at this critical time for Arizona’s water future,” said Guenther. “Her long experience with water issues makes her a good fit in the organization.”

Ms. Smith has been a member of the Governor’s Drought Task Force, the Governor’s Colorado River Water Quality Task Force, and the Perchlorate Working Group.

She spent 16 years with the Salt River Project. She has a Ph.D. from the University of California at Santa Barbara and has published works on water resources in Arizona. Ms. Smith also is an adjunct professor at Arizona State University.

Director Signed Substantive Policy Statement

March 17, 2005 - Herb Guenther signed a Substantive Policy Statement titled Procedures for Establishment of a New Service Area Right Within Active Management Areas. See the forms page under Assured Water Supply and Ground Water Rights for more info.

ADWR - No AMA for Upper San Pedro

March 9, 2005 - Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Herb Guenther has determined the Upper San Pedro Basin will not be declared an Active Management Area (AMA).

The director based his determination on findings that there are sufficient groundwater supplies in the Basin to meet future municipal, agricultural, and industrial needs. In addition, there is no evidence of land subsidence or fissuring, or that groundwater use is resulting in water quality degradation in the Basin.

Tom Carr Named New Assistant Director

Jan. 27, 2005 - ADWR Director Herb Guenther has named Tom Carr as Assistant Director of the Office of Statewide Conservation and Strategic Planning.

The office responsibilities will eventually include Colorado River Management, Drought Coordination, Statewide Conservation, Statewide Water Planning, the Water Protection Fund and an expanded Water Resources Planning Section.

Carr began his career with the Arizona Water Commission May 25, 1977 working on the Arizona State Water Plan.

He managed the transition from the Water Commission to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, which was created in 1980.

Carr has a B.S. from the University of Maryland and a Master's from the University of Arizona.

Governor's State of the State Address

January 10, 2005 - 2005 State of the State address, "Moving Arizona Forward," by Gov. Janet Napolitano

Arizona Town Hall Report

November 2004 - "Arizona's Water Future: Challenges and Opportunities" has been put together by aztownhall.org.

Well Impact & Spacing Rules Update

October 18, 2004 - In February 2004, the Department initiated proceedings to adopt permanent rules governing well spacing and well impacts and replacement wells in the same location. An initial stakeholder's group meeting will take place on Wednesday October 27th to discuss potential changes to the current rules. Stakeholder meetings are open to the public.

Drought Task Force

October 12, 2004 - Drought Draft Plans Submitted to Governor

Drought Task Force to hold open houses

September 2, 2004 - The Governor's Drought Task Force will hold six open house workshops in September to solicit public comment and input into the Drought Preparedness Plan and the draft Statewide Water Conservation Strategy.

The open houses will be held: Sept. 8 in Prescott , Sept.9 in Pinetop, Sept. 14 in Safford, Sept. 15 in Nogales, Sept. 21 in Yuma, and Sept. 22 in Kingman.

Randy Edmond Named To Head Pinal AMA

April 22, 2004 - Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Herb Guenther announced appointment of Randy Edmond as area manager for the Pinal Active Management Area.

Edmond, 52, will succeed Dennis Kimberlin, who recently retired from the agency.

Prior to this appointment, Edmond was the Unit Supervisor at the Pinal AMA.

In announcing the appointment, Director Guenther said, “I appreciate Randy's willingness to take on the responsibility to lead the Pinal AMA and I know we all look forward to assisting him with his new duties.”

The Pinal AMA manages regional water resources to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply to efficiently meet current and future water uses while protecting the environment and general economy.

Edmond is one of the earliest employees of the agency, which was created in 1980 with passage of the Arizona Groundwater Management Act. He joined ADWR in November 1981.

Edmond studied at the University of Arizona. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1973, and a master’s in agricultural economics in 1981.

“I’m looking forward to the challenges of managing the Pinal AMA at a time when we are seeing the character of the area change from almost entirely an agricultural region to one with growing residential and industrial components,” Edmond said.

For older news articles, see the news archive section.

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