Arizona has imposed restrictions on new housing development amidst water supply concerns. The restrictions, which were announced by Governor Katie Hobbs in March 2023, will apply to all new housing developments that rely on groundwater. The restrictions will require developers to obtain a water conservation plan from the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) before they can begin construction. The water conservation plans must demonstrate that the new development will not place an undue burden on the state’s water supply.
The restrictions are a response to the state’s growing water crisis. Arizona is one of the driest states in the country, and its water supply is already stretched thin. The state’s population is expected to grow by more than 2 million people over the next 20 years, which will put even more strain on the water supply.
The restrictions are a controversial move, and some developers have criticized them as being too restrictive. However, Governor Hobbs has defended the restrictions, saying that they are necessary to protect the state’s water supply.
The restrictions are the latest in a series of measures that Arizona has taken to address its water crisis. In recent years, the state has imposed mandatory conservation measures, such as requiring residents to water their lawns less often. The state has also invested in water conservation projects, such as building new reservoirs and pipelines.
The restrictions on new housing development are a significant step, and they will likely have a major impact on the state’s future growth. It remains to be seen whether the restrictions will be enough to prevent the state’s water supply from becoming even more stressed.
