Arizona Supreme Court rejects mandate for state groundwater oversight

The Arizona Supreme Court rejected arguments from environmental groups that required greater state oversight of water use along the upper San Pedro River. The court did not provide a reason for its decision, leaving undisturbed a prior ruling by the Arizona Court of Appeals. That earlier ruling noted that state law requires the Department of Water Resources to periodically review whether to create an active management area in parts of the state.

The ruling limits the ability of the state to mandate increased review of groundwater depletion and potential limits on pumping. This decision affects how water resources are managed in Arizona, a state facing regional water challenges.