Facing challenges over cost and constitutional liberties, the Arizona Department of Water Resources says a new groundwater rule will promote housing development, not hamper it. The Arizona Department of Resources established the groundwater offset rule in 2024 to allow developers to build more housing on over-pumped and depleting groundwater aquifers, forgoing the traditional proof of a 100-year supply needed for a water certificate. But the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, backed by legislative Republicans, says the department overstepped its constitutional authority by pigeonholing developers into the most expensive option when alternatives are physically unavailable.

Other groundwater news:

• The Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Border wall construction threatens groundwater, fragile springs in San Rafael Valley
• Arizona State University: Blog: Charting a shared groundwater future in rural, southern Arizona with the community