Arizona Implements Construction Limits in Phoenix Area Due to Dwindling Groundwater Supply

Arizona officials announced restrictions on future housing projects in the Phoenix region due to a diminishing supply of groundwater, caused by groundwater overdraft and continued reliance on groundwater resources. The state will allow approved developments to continue but future communities or developers that have not yet received approval will be required to identify alternate water sources for new developments. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs assured Arizonans that the move does not mean a threat to the water supply for current residents and that the state will tackle forthcoming water challenges with integrity and transparency. Phoenix, which has been a hot spot of population growth for years, relies on groundwater for most of its water supply and faces growing impacts from the effects of climate change.