This paper focuses on the Arizona Department of Water Resources management
plans for the five active management areas (AMAs) in Arizona. Each AMA has unique
water use and water supply characteristics that needed to be addressed within the
statutory structure set forth in Arizona's Groundwater Management Code.
A summary of the plan components applicable to each water use sector and the water
management issues remaining to be resolved is used to emphasize how Arizona attempts
to balance the competing needs for a finite resource through incentives,
education and regulation. This paper illustrates how the data available, public involvement,
and planning principles have been used to develop a plan that equitably shares the
responsibility to ensure long-term, sufficient, safe and secure
water supply to the citizens of Arizona. Includes tables, figure.