The Arizona Department of Water Resources will hold a public hearing and take public comment on Nov. 22 on the proposed active management area for the Willcox Groundwater Basin.

The hearing will take place at 1 p.m. at the Willcox Community Center at  312 W. Stewart St.  Willcox, Arizona 85643.

The Willcox Groundwater Basin is located in the northern Sulfur Springs Valley and is the entire surface watershed area that contributes to Willcox Playa plus the upper watersheds of Leslie Creek and Rucker Canyon that lie east of the Swisshelm Mountains in the Whitewater Draw watershed. The Willcox Groundwater Basin is located within both Cochise and Graham Counties.

In accordance with current state statute, effective Oct. 23, 2024 irrigation users may irrigate only those acres of land within the Proposed AMA which were irrigated at any time during the five years preceding. This limitation on the acres which may be irrigated will continue in effect until the Director makes a final determination on the Proposed AMA. “Irrigate” means to apply water to two or more acres of land to produce plants or parts of plants for sale or human consumption, or for use as feed for livestock, range livestock or poultry.

The official hearing notice, information regarding virtual participation, and other information are available at: https://www.azwater.gov/find-info-on/how-do-i/willcox-groundwater-basin