From the President
Spring has brought important changes and important conversations for groundwater in La Paz County.
Over the past several months, the Water Alliance of La Paz County has continued building a strong foundation for the future. We have expanded our website, held our first community meeting, continued working with partners such as Arizona State University, and begun providing more information and resources to help residents understand the complex water issues affecting our communities.
The recent designation of the Ranegras Plain Active Management Area, along with proposed state legislation related to groundwater transfers and infrastructure, has made it clear that La Paz County residents need access to clear, balanced, and local information.
Our goal is simple: to help the community better understand our groundwater, what is changing, and what choices may lie ahead. We know there are many different perspectives within La Paz County. The Water Alliance is committed to creating a place where those perspectives can be heard, respected, and shared.
Thank you to everyone who has participated so far by attending a meeting, joining the conversation online, sharing information with neighbors, or simply taking the time to learn more.
Water affects all of us. Together, we can help ensure there is enough for all, forever.
— Gary Saiter, Chair
WALPC News
Our Website Continues to Grow
The Water Alliance website at WALPC.org continues to expand with new resources, blog posts, meeting recordings, and educational information. Recent additions include:
- A new Legislation page tracking groundwater-related bills and what they could mean for La Paz County
- Blog posts explaining the Ranegras AMA, transportation basins, and proposed groundwater transfer legislation
- Recordings and summaries from our recent virtual community meeting
- Links to trusted resources from ADWR, ASU, and other organizations
If you have not visited recently, we encourage you to take a look and explore the new materials.
Building the Water Alliance
The Water Alliance continues to grow as an organization. The Board recently finalized its structure and guidelines and continues working toward long-term nonprofit formation and sustainability.
The Alliance is governed by a seven-member Board representing diverse communities and perspectives from across La Paz County, with a broader committee structure designed to encourage community participation and feedback.
Current priorities for 2026 include:
- Educating residents about La Paz County aquifers and groundwater use
- Providing input on the future management of the Ranegras Plain AMA
- Supporting conservation and sustainable groundwater use
- Sharing balanced information about proposed legislation and water-related projects
Meet the Board
The Water Alliance Board includes community members from across La Paz County who bring a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Susan Pullen, Treasurer/Secretary
Kari Ann Noeltner
Board members hail from Salome, Brenda, Wenden, and beyond, and include residents with experience in ranching, agriculture, local business, community organizing, and water issues.
The Water Alliance believes strong solutions come from bringing together many perspectives and creating space for the community to be part of the conversation.
Recent Community Meeting
Thank you to everyone who joined our recent virtual community meeting. The meeting brought together residents from across La Paz County to learn more about our groundwater, ask questions, and share concerns and perspectives.
The meeting included:
- An overview of how La Paz County’s groundwater system works and where our water comes from
- Information about the McMullen Valley, Ranegras Plain, Butler Valley, Harquahala, and Tiger Wash groundwater basins
- A discussion of the newly designated Ranegras Plain AMA and what it could mean over the coming years
- An explanation of transportation basins and proposed groundwater legislation, including HB 2932
- An introduction to the Water Alliance, our mission, and what we hope to accomplish in 2026
Residents shared a wide range of questions and concerns, including the future of private wells, water use by agriculture and industry, the need for better local information, and how residents can stay involved.
One theme came through clearly: people want more opportunities to learn, ask questions, and participate in decisions about the future of groundwater in La Paz County.
The Water Alliance plans to continue these conversations through future meetings, workshops, and online resources.
If you missed the meeting, the recording, slides, and summary are now available on WALPC.org.
More Community Conversations Ahead
The Water Alliance plans to host additional educational events, community meetings, and workshops throughout the year. Future topics may include:
- Water conservation and efficiency
- Understanding local aquifers and transportation basins
- The Ranegras AMA planning process
- Water monitoring and community science
Watch our website and Facebook page for announcements.
Legislative Updates
Several bills related to groundwater and water infrastructure continue to move through the Arizona Legislature.
HB 2103 – Water Infrastructure Assistance Grants
HB 2103 was recently vetoed by the Governor. It would have created a new grant program to help fund water infrastructure projects in rural communities. However, it did not provide structure for funding and unreasonably restricts those who could apply.
HB 2933 – Fee Schedules for Groundwater Transfers
HB 2933 would establish a schedule of fees tied to groundwater transfers.
The bill would:
- Create fees related to groundwater transfer activities
- Require the money generated from those fees to be deposited into the county General Fund
- Include provisions intended to help protect low-income and fixed-income households
HB 2933 would direct revenue generated from groundwater transfer fees into the county General Fund while also including provisions intended to help protect low-income and fixed-income households. Under ARS 45-254.09
HB 2933 is currently still in committee.
Residents who would like to share their views can contact the bill sponsors:
Leo Biasiucci — (602) 926-3018 — lbiasiucci@azleg.gov
Gail Griffin — (602) 926-5895 — ggriffin@azleg.gov
HB 2758 – Groundwater Transfer Eligibility
HB 2758 has passed the Arizona House and proposes changes to state law governing who qualifies to transfer and sell groundwater between basins.
The bill would not change how groundwater can be transported under existing law. Instead, it would change which entities are eligible to participate in groundwater transfers.
Why does this matter? Because the bill could influence whether future projects that move groundwater from the McMullen Valley Basin to other regions, including Central Arizona, are able to move forward.
For some residents, HB 2758 raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of local aquifers and the future of private wells and agriculture in La Paz County. Others see potential benefits related to economic development, water infrastructure, and future investment.
The Water Alliance recognizes that there are a variety of perspectives on this issue. Support or opposition to HB 2758 is not necessarily the same as support or opposition to existing projects or companies. Current projects must still follow existing Arizona law.
HB 2758 is still moving through the legislative process, and additional changes are still possible.
Residents who would like to learn more can visit the Arizona Legislature bill page or contact their elected officials.
Primary Sponsor: Gail Griffin Phone: (602) 926-5895 Email: ggriffin@azleg.gov
Stay Informed
Legislation can change quickly. Visit the Legislation page on WALPC.org for the latest bill summaries, status updates, and contact information for elected officials.
What’s New in Water
Ranegras Plain AMA Now Official
Earlier this year, the Arizona Department of Water Resources officially designated the Ranegras Plain Active Management Area.
The AMA includes parts of western La Paz County where groundwater levels have been declining for many years. The new designation does not immediately change how residents use water. Instead, it begins a multi-year planning process to create future management rules with community input.
The Water Alliance believes it is important that La Paz County residents stay involved in this process so local voices are heard.
Resources
LABrary
Did you know that La Paz County residents can now borrow scientific water monitoring equipment through the LABrary in Wenden?
The LABrary is a community resource created through Arizona State University’s Arizona Water Innovation Initiative. It works much like a library. But, instead of checking out books, you can borrow equipment to learn more about your local water.
Available tools may include:
- Water quality meters
- Groundwater level sensors
- Microscopes
- Water testing kits
The LABrary is designed to help residents, students, teachers, and community groups better understand local groundwater conditions and become involved in community science.
This resource may become especially important as the Ranegras AMA planning process moves forward and local communities begin discussing groundwater monitoring and conservation.
Recent reels shared by ADEQ and ASU have highlighted the Wenden LABrary and the tools available there.
To learn more about the LABrary, how to borrow equipment, or where it is located, visit the Water Alliance website or the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative website.
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