Hoover Signing
THE ARIZONA WATER BANKING AUTHORITY & THE DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN:
The Water Bank played an important role in DCP by assisting the state with both the mitigation and offset components of the Arizona DCP Implementation Plan. The AWBA participated in several agreements, some of which required statutory changes and the adoption of policy.
(Photo credit: Bureau of Reclamation)
Tribal firming program
TRIBAL FIRMING PROGRAM:
The Arizona Water Banking Authority is the agent for the State for meeting the State's obligations under the Arizona Water Settlements Act (AWSA) of 2004. Under the AWSA, the Water Bank has an obligation to firm NIA Priority CAP water; due to its priority, this will be the first supply requiring AWBA firming during a shortage.
(Photo credit: Virginia O'Connell)
AWBA Credits Map
AWBA STORAGE CREDITS - NEW INTERACTIVE MAP:
This new interactive GIS map allows you to see a map of Arizona and locate the storage facilities within the Phoenix, Pinal and Tucson AMAs where the Water Bank has stored water. Click on the facility to see an inventory of AWBA credits.
Water Storage in the Superstition Mountain Recharge Project
WATER STORAGE FACILITIES:
The AWBA holds water storage permits at a number of water storage facilities in the Phoenix, Pinal and Tucson AMAs. Water is delivered to underground storage facilities (USFs) for direct recharge, as well as groundwater savings facilities (GSFs) for indirect recharge. 
(Superstitions Mountains Recharge Project, photo credit: CAP)

The Arizona Water Banking Authority

The Arizona Water Banking Authority (AWBA; Water Bank) was established in 1996 to store the unused portion of Arizona’s annual Colorado River entitlement in Central and Southern Arizona. The AWBA stores water in underground aquifers to earn long-term storage credits (LTSCs). These credits can be recovered (pumped) during a shortage to provide back-up water supplies (known as "firming") for Arizona water users.

Through 2023, the AWBA has accrued 4,380,000 acre-feet of LTSCs: 3,770,000 acre-feet for Arizona uses and 613,846 acre-feet on behalf of the State of Nevada. The AWBA firms water supplies for Central Arizona Project municipal and industrial subcontract holders and communities along the Colorado River. As the agent for the State, the AWBA is responsible for meeting the State's Tribal firming obligations under the Arizona Water Settlements Act of 2004. The AWBA also assists with meeting the State's water management objectives under the Groundwater Code and provides the mechanism for interstate water banking with the other Lower Basin States. By storing water, the AWBA helps to ensure long-term water supplies for Arizona and neighboring states.

 

About Us

Announcements

2025 Draft APO cover

Comments from AMWUA on the Draft 2025 Plan of Operation

Comment received during public review of the 2025 draft Plan of Operation.

2023 Annual Report cover

2023 Annual Report

The AWBA is pleased to share its 2023 Annual Report.  The Annual Report details the AWBA’s activities for calendar year 2023 and the progress made on achieving its goals and obligations including commitments made in support of Arizona’s plan for implementing the Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plan

2023 Annual Report cover

Comments from CAP M&I Subcontractors on the 2023 Draft Annual Report.

Comments received during public review of AWBA 2023 Annual Report.

 

 

NEXT QUARTERLY MEETING

The next quarterly meeting of the Arizona Water Banking Authority Commission has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This meeting will be held both in-person and via webinar with login details posted 24 hours prior to the meeting.

Map to Offices

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.02(A)(1), all public notices of meetings of the AWBA Commission and any of its subcommittees will be physically posted at the Arizona Department of Water Resources, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona, near the elevators on the first floor, which is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except legal holidays. AWBA Commission meetings will also be electronically posted to this website under Meetings.

 

Hoover Dam
RECOVERY PLANNING

The Arizona Water Banking Authority coordinates with ADWR and CAWCD, working cooperatively to ensure recovery implementation is achievable when needed.

AWBA Credits Map
INTERACTIVE MAP

This interactive GIS map allows you to view AWBA credits at each storage facility and download the full data into excel.

Colorado River running through the Grand Canyon
WATER BANK TIMELINE

The Water Bank was created in 1996 to store the unused portion of Arizona's Colorado River entitlement.