In February 2026, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) officially designated the Ranegras Plain Groundwater Basin as a new Active Management Area (AMA). This decision places the basin under Arizona’s groundwater management framework, which is designed to slow groundwater depletion and support long-term water sustainability in the region.
The Ranegras Plain basin spans parts of La Paz and Yuma counties and relies heavily on groundwater. Over time, pumping in the basin has significantly exceeded natural recharge, causing groundwater levels to decline. The new AMA designation recognizes these challenges and introduces additional tools to help manage groundwater use more responsibly.
What an AMA Means
Active Management Areas are regions in Arizona where groundwater use is more closely monitored and regulated under the state’s Groundwater Management Act. With this designation, the Ranegras Plain becomes one of eight AMAs in Arizona.
Key elements of the AMA framework include:
- Limits on new irrigated agriculture in most cases
- Monitoring and reporting requirements for large groundwater users
- State-developed management plans aimed at conserving groundwater over time
- Improved data collection to better understand groundwater conditions
What Happens Next
The AMA designation marks the beginning of a long-term planning process. ADWR will work with local stakeholders to develop groundwater management plans and conservation strategies for the basin.
For communities across La Paz County, the designation highlights the importance of understanding local aquifers and working together to ensure groundwater resources remain available for future generations.
https://www.azwater.gov/ranegras-plain-active-management-area