What is the primary governing body for overseeing water rights in Arizona?

The Arizona Department of Water Resources is the primary governing body responsible for overseeing water rights in Arizona. This department plays a crucial role in managing the state’s water resources, including regulations related to groundwater and surface water use. It implements policies aimed at ensuring sustainable water use and addressing the challenges posed by Arizona's arid climate.

Furthermore, the department is involved in the administration of the state's water management regulations, which includes the appropriation of water rights and monitoring the state’s water supply. This oversight is vital for balancing the demands of agricultural, industrial, and residential water use, while also protecting the environment.

In contrast, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality primarily focuses on environmental protection and regulation concerning air and water pollution but does not manage water rights directly. The Arizona Corporation Commission deals with regulating utilities and transportation, including some aspects of water services but not the allocation of water rights. Lastly, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is primarily concerned with wildlife conservation and management, not water rights.