Arizona irrigation district eyes California groundwater to offset shortages

The agreement between the Pinal County-based district and California’s Cadiz, Inc. establishes a framework for a 50-year supply arrangement. By tapping into the Mojave Groundwater Bank, located in San Bernardino County, the district seeks to secure a firm water source that remains independent of the dwindling Colorado River allocations. The proposed plan relies on an interstate exchange mechanism, which must still clear regulatory hurdles with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to ensure compliance with the Law of the River.

Financial terms include a volumetric charge of $850 per acre-foot, alongside costs for infrastructure maintenance and power for delivery. While the deal represents a private-sector initiative, it aligns with broader federal efforts to integrate non-Colorado River supplies into the Lower Basin’s management strategy. For Arizona agriculture, which has faced severe delivery cuts, the project offers a potential buffer against future volatility. Success remains contingent on the development of necessary pipeline facilities and the finalization of formal exchange agreements with federal and state water authorities.