An assured water supply must meet the needs of proposed development for at least how many years?

The requirement for an assured water supply in Arizona is crucial for sustainable development, especially in a desert environment where water resources are limited. A proposed development must demonstrate that it can meet its water needs for at least 100 years. This long-term planning is essential to ensure that the water supply can support the development without leading to depletion of resources or creating a water scarcity problem in the future.

The rationale behind this requirement is to protect both the residents of new developments and the environment by promoting responsible water use. Water supply assurance over such an extended period aims to account for factors such as population growth, changes in water usage, climate variability, and potential drought conditions that could affect water availability.

While other time frames could seem reasonable, they would not provide the same level of security and sustainability that the 100-year requirement does. This necessity aligns with Arizona’s commitment to managing its water resources prudently, ensuring that future generations have access to a reliable water supply.