Governor Katie Hobbs now addressing water issues in her State of the State address... #azwater

Gov. Hobbs on water in AZ: "just because we have been successful in the past does not mean we can relax about the future. We can reject the doomsayers, but we must always have open and honest conversations about our water resources." #azwatter

Hobbs on protecting rural groundwater: "rural Arizonans who have begged, demanded, and fought to protect their groundwater have been ignored. Now, after forty years of waiting, it’s time we finally take action and update our groundwater management laws." #azwater

On proposed, new groundwater protections: I have directed [ADWR] to finalize a new pathway for water providers and communities who have historically relied on groundwater resources..." #azwater

"... This new 'Alternative Designation of Water Resources' program will provide an opportunity for these entities to achieve a 100-year assured water supply by contributing new water sources and reducing groundwater pumping." #azwater

Hobbs, on AZ water: "Let us remember that water and drought do not care about party registration or job titles or whether you live in an urban or rural community. We can only protect our water supply by working together. #azwater

According to reports, the Southwest is in line for the effects of a strong “La Niña” condition ow.ly/f8a950RT8Q5

Arizona lost two important people who helped us learn and understand the news: Michael Grant who hosted Horizon for a quarter century, and Jana Bommersbach who was an editor at New Times and a book author. Both helped shape Arizona into what it is today. RIP.😢

ADWR Director Tom Buschatzke on Arizona Capitol Times’ “Morning Scoop” panel discussion on water issues. Describing importance of good groundwater management just now. #azwater

Buschatzke: we are trying to find new tools to protect groundwater supplies #azwater

Willcox area informational session on the status of the Willcox Groundwater Basin, hosted by ADWR, just now starting. #azwater

ADWR Chief Hydrologist Ryan Mitchell beginning the department's presentation on the current condition of Willcox basin groundwater supplies.

ADWR Director Tom Buschatzke and CAP GM Brenda Burman now briefing ARC (Arizona’s water community) on Colorado River negotiations. #azwater

Buschatzke: Upper Basin has not put one gallon of reductions on the table. This is a visceral issue. A giant chasm.

GRIC Gov Lewis: The (GRIC) Community is very engaged with those Basin stakeholders and our federal partner to find a path toward consensus. Lewis advocates for creation of designated pools of water to protect the system overall. Supports Lower Basin alternative. #azwater

ASU Arizona Water Innovation Initiative underway with Governor’s Senior Advisor on water policy welcoming participants. “Now is the time to finally finish the job that was started with the 1980 Groundwater Management Act.” #azwater

Dave White, Initiative facilitator: a goal is to implement a sustainable management framework for the Colorado River. “Want to help inform decision-making.” #azwater

ADWR Director Tom Buschatzke at the AZ Water Innovation Initiative: a priority now is helping move recent landmark tribal water settlements along through Congress; also, moving AZ Water Bank recovery planning forward. #azwater

Buschatzke: another thing that’s really important that we’re asking the Kyl Center to do: look at water use in the Upper Basin of the Colorado River. “That is a really important project for us.” #azwater

📢 WIFA is excited to announce that Ben Alteneder will serve as our next Assistant Director for External Affairs. Ben brings decades of experience in natural resources and water policy to this role. Join us in welcoming him to the WIFA team! #azwater