AZ HCR2051

Expresses the Legislature's opinion that Arizona's rural communities have adequate tools and resources to address groundwater supplies and ensure future water security.

References existing state legislation and programs established since 1945, including domestic water improvement districts (1945), groundwater recharge facilities (1986), 100-year water supply requirements (2007), well deepening programs (2016), water storage facility studies (2016), Water Infrastructure Finance Authority funding (2021), Water Supply Development Revolving Fund appropriations (2022), and rural water reuse and recycling programs (2023).

Emphasizes that Arizona's 42 natural resource conservation districts possess special expertise in land, water, soil and natural resources management and have authority to develop comprehensive water conservation plans and agreements with landowners.

Notes that approximately 95-98% of Arizona rainfall is lost to evaporation and transpiration before recharging aquifers, and that even small increases in natural recharge could help address rural groundwater supplies.

Cites successful examples of groundwater recharge projects in rural Arizona, including the Hereford Natural Resource Conservation District and Horseshoe Draw Sediment Control and Stormwater Recharge Project in Cochise County.