STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The House Committee on Natural Resources, Energy, and Water on Tuesday advanced two bills, sponsored by Chairman Gail Griffin, to provide additional tools for rural Arizonans who are facing challenges with domestic wells amid historic drought.

HB2084 clarifies that a domestic water improvement district (DWID) can be formed for the purpose of constructing a single well and standpipe to deliver water to residents by way of water hauling. Meanwhile, HB2086 expands an existing grant program to allow funds to be used for the installation of storage tanks, which makes it easier for domestic well owners to convert to water hauling if they are facing challenges with their private wells.

The measures are consistent with the 2025 House Majority Plan to safeguard Arizona’s water resources while protecting individual rights and liberties.

“While some proposals to address rural groundwater focus on increasing regulation and would take away your individual rights and liberties, they do little to actually address the immediate challenges domestic well owners face,” said Representative Griffin. “We need to address private well owners, and these bills do that. Water hauling is an acceptable way to obtain water in rural Arizona, especially when local groundwater conditions are not ideal or access to deeper water is needed to provide increased water security.”

“Water hauling is especially attractive when Arizonans want to maintain their freedom from being physically connected to municipal water pipes but are facing challenges with private wells,” Representative Griffin added. “These bills provide an alternative that preserves Arizonans’ freedom to live how and where they want – including off the grid – while providing a safe and affordable option to ensure water security in areas facing challenges with rural groundwater.”

Gail Griffin is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 19, which includes areas of Greenlee, Graham, Cochise, and eastern Pima and Santa Cruz Counties. Griffin chairs the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee.