Coordinates annual funding for the development and implementation of measures to protect water of sufficient quality and quantity to maintain, enhance, and restore rivers and streams and associated riparian habitat. Performs water quality functions of the Department, including those related to groundwater contamination and new and replacement wells. Coordinates water quantity issues with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
Legal staff provides in-house counsel.
Responsible for carrying out, within respective areas, the provisions of the Groundwater Code and agency rules and regulations, analyzes water conservation and augmentation proposals, conducts special studies on water management issues or problems. Coordinates applications process for assured and adequate water supply determinations and groundwater recharge program. Processes all groundwater filings and well drilling licenses, issues permits for recharge and recovery of groundwater, stores public records, collects permits and groundwater withdrawal fees. Serves as technical advisor to the state courts in the general stream adjudications of surface water rights, researches surface water claims, produces survey reports, combining assessments of all local water user and the physical nature of specific watersheds, generates other reports as requested by the courts including examinations of Indian water right settlements and analysis of outstanding legal issues. Promotes, protects and manages Arizona's entitlement of 2.8 million acre feet annually of Colorado River water, monitors and coordinates compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act as they affect the Colorado River.