Arizona has made its first move towards regulating the use of groundwater.
The state says that over the last two decades, 26 wells in the southeastern portion of the state dropped by ten feet. Blame for the rapid decline has been placed on agriculture.
If approved, the proposed Willcox Groundwater Basin Management area would be the first formed through executive action since 1980.
Such moves have been historically opposed by Arizona farm groups who say groundwater pumping regulations are not flexible enough.
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