Arizona Enacts Ban on Irrigation Expansion in Mohave County

Categories: Arizona Business NewsArizona State News

Farmland in Mohave County, Arizona, reflecting sustainable agricultural practices under new irrigation policies.

News Summary

Arizona has enacted a ban on the expansion of large-scale irrigation in Mohave County to protect dwindling groundwater supplies. This new policy limits irrigation to fields cultivated within the last five years, reflecting the state’s commitment to sustainable water management amid growing concerns over groundwater depletion. Additionally, local farmers contest the assessments of water availability, prompting discussions on agricultural sustainability and water conservation in the arid region.

Arizona Enacts Irrigation Non-Expansion Policy in Mohave County to Protect Groundwater Supplies

The State of Arizona has officially imposed a ban on the expansion of large-scale irrigated farming in Mohave County, a decision aimed at safeguarding the region’s dwindling groundwater supplies. The announcement, made by Arizona’s Department of Water Resources, marks a significant measure to address the ongoing challenges associated with water use in this arid farming region.

This new policy, which establishes the Hualapai Basin as an Irrigation Non-expansion Area (INA), restricts irrigation to only those fields that have been cultivated within the last five years. As part of this order signed on December 19, existing irrigation practices may continue; however, no new large agricultural operations can be initiated.

Officials have raised concerns regarding the sustainability of groundwater usage in Mohave County, an area highly dependent on this resource. The Hualapai Basin currently experiences an estimated annual groundwater recharge of about 10,000 acre-feet, while the city of Kingman utilizes nearly 8,800 acre-feet annually and agricultural activities withdraw a staggering 25,800 acre-feet each year. The disparity indicates that, under current practices, 1 in 20 wells may run dry within the next century if no interventions are taken.

Meeting to Formulate Statewide Agriculture Plan

In a related effort, key state leaders, agricultural producers, and researchers convened at the University of Arizona’s Yuma Agricultural Center to discuss sustainable agricultural practices and water management issues in Arizona’s farming communities. This gathering aimed to address practical challenges in water utilization, crop productivity, and the application of agricultural research in arid climates.

Local farmers in the Hualapai Basin have contested state assessments regarding water availability, arguing that the region has boasted a sufficient water supply for centuries. Despite these claims, state officials maintain that current water extraction rates are unsustainable. As a precaution, the new policy necessitates that large well owners install water usage measuring equipment and report their annual withdrawals, although those using less than 35 gallons per minute are exempt from reporting requirements.

Historical Context and Previous Initiatives

The recent ban on irrigation expansion joins previous restrictions enacted in other regions of Arizona, including Douglas, Navajo County, and the Harquahala Valley. The state maintains that the current regulations stem from the 1980 groundwater management law, which already governs major urban areas with stricter standards compared to rural locales like Mohave County.

In response to the new restrictions, local farmers are considering appealing the decision, citing the inaccuracy of the official water usage assessments. Simultaneously, local leaders are pushing for enhanced groundwater management legislation at the state level, emphasizing the need for greater local authority to manage and protect groundwater resources effectively. The Water for Arizona Coalition has echoed this sentiment, advocating for sustainable management initiatives while recognizing the necessity for local governance improvements.

Impact on Rural Communities

The decision significantly impacts Mohave County and its largest city, Kingman, which rely entirely on groundwater for their water supply. Farmers and landowners are now faced with the challenge of adapting to a landscape where expansive irrigation efforts are prohibited, prompting necessary discussions about sustainable agricultural practices and water conservation.

This new regulation and accompanying initiatives reflect Arizona’s growing recognition of the need to balance agricultural productivity with the sustainable management of its critical water resources, particularly in the face of challenges exacerbated by climate variability and increasing demand.