Subject: Developing a new water supply for any use

Comment: An application is required for either drilling a well to pump groundwater or to take water from a surface supply. With the exception of certain small wells, all water uses within Active Management Areas also require permit.

Subject: Moving an existing water supply (right) from one location to another or changing the type of use

Comment: The place of use of surface water may be changed by filing a "sever and transfer" for rights granted by the state. Court decreed rights have been moved by the court with jurisdiction. A change in the type of use may be accomplished by filing with the state (or court for decreed rights).

Subject: Assignment of water rights

Comment: Any application, permit certificate, well registration or other water right or claim must be transferred to a new owner by filing an assignment or conveyance.

Subject: Stock ponds

Comment: All new stock ponds require a permit from the department, surface water division.

Subject: Well registration and construction

Comment: All water wells must be registered with the state. The construction of a new well or deepening of a well requires a permit.

Subject: Well drillers

Comment: Any person drilling a well is required to have a license. Examination is required.

Subject: Control of groundwater pumping in Active Management Areas

Comment: With the exception of certain small domestic wells, all groundwater pumping in Active Management Areas must have a grandfathered groundwater right or some other permit or right. Well spacing and pumping amounts are subject to specific controls.

Subject: Control of agricultural land in Active Management Areas

Comment: With the exception of moving grandfathered groundwater rights as a result of flood damages or to take advantage of Central Arizona Project water supply, no new farm land can be developed in Active Management Areas. Conversion of agricultural grandfathered groundwater rights to some other purpose requires a development plan.

Subject: Water supply for subdivisions

Comment: Anyone required to obtain a public report from Department of Real Estate authorizing the sale or lease of land must first demonstrate to the Department of Water Resources whether assured or adequate water supply exists.

Subject: Water exchanges

Comment: Any two parties planning to make a water-for-water trade may need to file with the Department of Water Resources or obtain a permit, depending on the circumstances of the exchange.

Subject: Dam construction and inspection

Comment: All dams over a set size are subject to review of initial plans and construction and periodic safety inspection.

Subject: Underground storage and recovery

Comment: Anyone proposing to construct a project to store water underground is subject to review by the application and permit process. Accounts can be established to recover stored water at some future date.

Subject: Weather modification

Comment: Any person engaging in cloud seeding or other weather modification activities or selling weather modification equipment is required to have a license.

Subject: Artificial lakes and other bodies of water

Comment: Any person constructing large bodies of water for landscape, scenic or recreational purposes in a subdivision within an Active Management Area must have a permit to fill or refill a body of water.

Subject: Registration of pre-1919 water rights

Comment: Water uses that started before the water code was enacted must be either court decreed or have a claim on file with the state. Uses not previously claimed or decreed must have been claimed or amended before October 1,1990.

Subject: Transporting water out-of-state

Comment: Any person proposing to transport any water out of state must first obtain a permit.

Subject: Claims to public waters made in adjudications

Comment: All persons having claims to public waters of the state being adjudicated in state courts must file claim forms with the department when courts so order. (Department is technical advisor to adjudication courts.)

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