Governor Katie Hobbs announced a major step forward in Arizona’s water management strategy Tuesday, celebrating the state’s first-ever Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply (ADAWS) awarded to EPCOR. The milestone marks the first new 100-year assured water designation in the Phoenix Active Management Area in 25 years.
The new ADAWS program, developed under Hobbs’ administration, creates a flexible pathway for utilities to secure long-term water supplies without over-reliance on groundwater. The initiative aims to balance conservation with growth—protecting Arizona’s water resources while enabling an estimated 60,000 new housing units statewide.
“This ADAWS Designation is going to save water, support sustainable economic growth, and create more housing,” Gov. Hobbs said. “Arizona can continue to grow our economy while protecting our water when elected officials come together to solve big problems.”
EPCOR officials called the designation a pivotal moment for sustainable development. “ADAWS allows greater flexibility for utilities to leverage their water portfolios while protecting existing communities,” said Shawn Bradford, Senior Vice President of Regulated US Water for EPCOR. “We’re proud to receive the first alternative designation in Arizona’s history and the first Phoenix AMA designation in 25 years.”
Developers and business leaders also hailed the move as key to addressing the state’s housing shortage. Harry C. Elliott III, President of Elliott Homes, said the designation will allow his company to move forward with more than 500 new homes at its Granite Vista community in the West Valley.
Valley Partnership CEO Clark Princell added that the policy is a model for future collaboration. “This designation will allow much-needed housing projects to move forward,” he said. “We’re committed to working with the Governor, Legislature, and water providers to ensure Arizona continues to grow sustainably for decades to come.”
EPCOR’s new designation extends 100-year water supply protections to more than 140,000 residents within its service area and represents a new era in the state’s approach to long-term water and housing policy.
