By Hannah Bernier.
Arizona is at the crossroads of rapid population growth and increased uncertainty about future water supplies. Land use planning and water management are essential tools to balance housing availability and affordability with the resource limitations of living in an arid environment. While Arizona’s Groundwater Management Act and the Growing Smarter Acts have attempted to strike this balance, more is needed to address the twin stressors of the housing crisis and groundwater overdraft. Thus, Arizona policymakers must implement a comprehensive, statewide land use and water management plan that builds on past efforts while adapting to current challenges.