
Phoenix, AZ— On Thursday, January 30, Governor Katie Hobbs announced new legislation which proposes the creation of Rural Groundwater Management Areas (RGMAs) to replace Active Management Areas (AMAs). If passed, the bill will officially transition the Willcox AMA into an RGMA, providing local stakeholders greater authority over groundwater conservation and management.
The Willcox Basin Aquifer has faced significant strain in recent years, leading to declining water levels and wells running dry. This has placed local farmers, ranchers, residents, and businesses at risk.

“In our community, water touches every aspect of life. It supports our burgeoning wine industry, a vital and growing part of our economy, and sustains the businesses, farmers, and ranchers who are the backbone of our region,” said Willcox Mayor Greg Hancock. “Unfortunately, the Willcox Basin Aquifer has faced severe strain, resulting in homeowners' wells going dry, land subsidence, and a race to the bottom to deepen wells. These challenges have made it clear that we need meaningful action to secure our water future.”
If the bill is passed, it will officially repeal the existing Willcox AMA and replace it with the new Willcox RGMA. The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) will issue an order designating the transition.
The Governor will appoint a five-member RGMA Council, with four members nominated by the Senate President, House Speaker, and minority leaders in both chambers. The council will set conservation targets suited to the local community.
RGMAs are designed to reduce groundwater use while maintaining economic viability. The conservation programs will have adaptable guidelines, allowing local businesses, farmers, and residents to participate in a more practical approach.
A new Certificate of Groundwater Use system will recognize and quantify existing groundwater usage. This measure provides long-term security for current water users and supports economic stability in the region. The legislation prevents large new water-extracting entities from moving into the area and depleting local water resources.
Every 10 years, the RGMA Council will have the authority to reassess and modify conservation programs to meet evolving community needs and water management goals. A special fund will be created to support voluntary water conservation, aquifer recharge, and water reuse programs in rural Arizona. Initial funding will be determined through a legislative appropriation.
Beyond Willcox, the RGMA legislation seeks to address severe groundwater declines in multiple Arizona basins, including the Gila Bend Basin, Hualapai Valley Basin, Ranegras Plain Basin, and San Simon Sub-basin. The bill also creates a pathway for other rural groundwater basins to be designated as RGMAs if requested by local voters, County Boards of Supervisors, or ADWR based on scientific criteria demonstrating a need for groundwater management.
Each RGMA council, including Willcox’s, will consist of representatives from different water-use sectors—one industrial, one irrigation, one water service provider, and two district residents. These councils must develop and implement management plans to reduce overdraft and groundwater pumping, subject to ADWR approval.
The transition from an AMA to an RGMA represents a significant shift in Arizona’s approach to rural groundwater management. While AMAs have been more rigid in their regulations, RGMAs offer a more flexible and locally driven alternative. Supporters believe the new framework will better balance water conservation with economic sustainability.
If enacted, the new law could set a precedent for how Arizona manages groundwater in rural areas, to balance conservation with local economic needs. For Willcox, it marks an opportunity to take control of its water future with a local council instead of statewide blanket regulation.
Comments