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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
Yuma agriculture; water rights; supporting
Purpose
States that it is the intent of the Legislature to protect Yuma agriculture and Arizona's rights to Colorado River water.
Background
Yuma County is one of the four original Arizona counties, designated in 1864. 97 percent of the water in Yuma County is used for agriculture and Yuma County is one the of the largest producers of winter vegetables such as leafy greens. The primary source of water in Yuma County is surface water, nearly all of which comes from the Colorado River (U of A).
The Colorado River is managed and operated under numerous compacts, federal laws, court decisions and decrees, contracts, entitlements and regulatory guidelines, collectively known as the Law of the River. Each entitlement holder maintains their own conservation plans, ordinances and resolutions that governs their Colorado River water use. Arizona is currently in a Tier 1 shortage, representing a 512,000 acre-foot reduction to Arizona's Colorado River Supply. Nearly all the reductions are taken by Central Arizona Project (CAP) water users based on the CAP priority system (CAP).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. States that it is the intent of the Legislature to protect Yuma agriculture and Arizona's rights to Colorado River water.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
NREW 2/20/25 DPA 5-3-0-2
3rd Read 3/5/25 33-25-2
Prepared by Senate Research
March 14, 2025
SB/SN/slp