Governor Katie Hobbs Celebrates Historic Water Milestone as Arizona Water Company Receives Designation for 100-Year Assured Water Supply

Governor Hobbs' new "Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply" or ADAWS Program will conserve water, increase housing supply by over 80,000 units

Casa Grande, AZ - Today, Governor Katie Hobbs celebrated Pinal County's first Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply (ADAWS) alongside Arizona Water Company and regional leaders at the Casa Grande City Hall. ADAWS is a new program that assists communities in achieving 100-year Assured Water Supply protections that save groundwater and help build more homes. Arizona Water Company has received its 100-year Designation through the ADAWS Program, and this landmark achievement comes after years of work under Governor Hobbs' leadership to advance policies that protect Arizona's water supplies.

"This ADAWS Designation is a critical step to building homes, growing our economy, and protecting our water for generations," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "Pinal County has waited a decade for water solutions like this one, and today we are proving that Arizona has what it takes to conquer our water challenges and deliver real results for our communities. Congratulations to Arizona Water Company and all the stakeholders who have worked for years to make this a reality."

"This Designation gives our communities the certainty they need to grow with confidence," said Arizona Water Company President & Chief Operating Officer Fred Schneider . "By working closely with Governor Hobbs and local leaders, we've built a path that secures renewable water supplies while safeguarding ratepayers and supporting economic opportunity across Pinal County. ADAWS is proof that when Arizona comes together, we can solve big challenges with long-term, sustainable solutions."

"Casa Grande and central Pinal County have waited many years for a solution to the ground water moratorium, and today that wait is over," said Mike Kern, President, Communities Southwest . "The ADAWS designation is a landmark achievement - one that protects our groundwater resources, while also bringing long-awaited certainty and regulatory stability to builders and businesses across the region. For Communities Southwest and the Villago community in Casa Grande, this is the foundation we have been working toward for years. It unlocks our ability to deliver the community and housing supply that one of Arizona's fastest-growing counties needs and deserves, while simultaneously protecting its natural resources and assuring future generations of a safe and reliable source of water."

"On behalf of the City of Casa Grande, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Governor Katie Hobbs for her leadership and support," said Casa Grande Mayor Lisa Fitzgibbons . "Her commitment to responsible water policy and sustainable growth has been instrumental in helping cities like ours secure a strong and reliable water future. We deeply appreciate her partnership and her dedication to ensuring that Arizona communities continue to thrive."

"Today marks a historic moment for Pinal County and the culmination of ten years of hard work," said Pinal County Supervisor Stephen Miller . "The ADAWS Program is the result of numerous stakeholder meetings, give and take discussions, and a recognition that challenging problems require creative solutions. The 100-year Designation being celebrated today will allow Pinal County to continue moving forward as we build more houses, support more businesses, and make the American dream more affordable for all Americans. Thank you to Governor Hobbs, the entire team at Arizona Water Company, the various stakeholder groups including PCWAA, and numerous others. Your efforts have helped Pinal County continue to move forward and prosper."

Arizona Water Company is the first water provider to receive a new 100-year Designation in the Pinal AMA (Active Management Area) in over 20 years, and the second utility to receive a Designation through ADAWS in the entire state. The designation will extend 100-year water supply protections across Arizona Water Company's service area, and provide enough water for over 80,000 new homes.

###