Replenishment Obligations
CAGRD must replenish (or recharge) in each Active Management Area (AMA) the amount of groundwater pumped by or delivered to its members that exceeds the pumping limitations imposed by the Assured Water Supply (AWS) Rules. This category of water is referred to as “excess groundwater”. Recharge may be accomplished through the operation of underground storage facilities or groundwater savings facilities.
Actual Replenishment Obligation to Date
The above graph shows CAGRD’s replenishment obligation through time for each of the AMAs in our service area. Replenishment obligation peaked in 2007 and exceeded 40,000 acre-feet. From 2009 through 2023, CAGRD’s replenishment obligation has remained relatively constant and fluctuated between roughly 30,000 to 35,000 acre-feet. In 2024, replenishment obligation surpassed 40,000 AF for the first time since 2007. Replenishment data is available by August of the following year; for example, replenishment data from calendar year 2026 would be available in August of 2027.
Projected Obligations
Official projections of replenishment obligation are included in the Plan of Operation. The above graph shows projected obligation from 2025 through 2034. Updated projections will be available after the Arizona Department of Water Resources reviews the Draft 2025 Plan of Operation.
