Arizona Department of Water Resources
SURFACE WATER DIVISION
The Surface Water Division allocates the right to use surface water resources in a fair and equitable manner; provides technical and administrative support to the adjudication court and Special Master; promotes, protects, and manages the rights and interests of Arizona’s water resources; and manages floodplains and dams in order to reduce loss of life and damages to property The Surface Water Division consists of two sections: Engineering and Water Rights. The Engineering Section is divided into three programs: Dam Safety, Flood Warning and Floodplain Management. The Water Rights Section consists of two programs: Permitting and Adjudications. Both sections work closely together to meet statutory requirements described in the State Water Code (applicable portions of Arizona Revised Statutes). |
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Willow Springs in Coconino County |
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ENGINEERING SECTION
Dam Safety The Dam Safety Program is responsible for the safety of all nonfederal dams in Arizona through the review of applications for proposed new dams, and monitoring of construction of new dams and repairs for existing structures. Program personnel inspect and evaluate operating dams to determine if safety deficiencies exist and develop actions to remove those deficiencies.
Flood Warning The Flood Warning Program is responsible for assisting in the planning, design, and construction of flood warning systems. Program personnel coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies during times of flood emergencies.
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Floodplain Management The Floodplain Management Program collaborates with other state and local entities to administer the National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP), the Community Assistance Program, and the Map Modernization Program. Floodplain Management personnel assist with the development of State Standards for floodplain management.
WATER RIGHTS SECTION
Permitting The Surface Water Right Program issues permits and certificates for rights to use surface water within the State of Arizona, excluding the Colorado River. The program also manages and maintains accurate and updated surface water right registries.
Adjudication Support The Adjudication Support Program provides technical and administrative support for the adjudication court and special master through investigation of claims for water rights and the processing of statements of claimants (SOCs). By statute, ADWR is required to prepare and publish comprehensive hydrographic survey reports for each of the ten watersheds within the Gila River and Little Colorado River watersheds. These HSRs are multivolume publications that involve intensive data collection and field inspection efforts such as land ownership information, hydrology, and factual basis for SOCs filed. Also included are ADWR’s recommendations regarding the water rights attributes for each water right claim or investigated use.  Adjudication Support
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Dam Safety Program
