![]() ![]() Even if your well is exempt under the law, you will still have to file an application with the ADWR before drilling. If you want to use water for non-residential purposes, then you are limited to 10 acre feet of water per year. There are restrictions on how the water can be used though, such as for residential uses and irrigating only up to 2 acres of land. If your well has a pumping capacity of 35 gallons a minute or less, it is exempt. Luckily, the law does make exceptions for certain wells. You can read an overview of Arizona’s residential groundwater rules here. You can essentially remove as much water as you want so long as the water goes to beneficial use. Outside of AMAs, there are few groundwater restrictions. Water rights are determined historic use or “grandfathered rights.” You can find a map of groundwater rights here. If your well doesn’t meet the exemption requirements and is located in an AMA, you will likely have a very difficult time getting a permit. You will need to get authorization from the ADWR before drilling. There are also some restrictions on how the water can be used, such as for irrigating only up to 2 acres. In these areas, you do not need a permit to drill a well which has a maximum pump capacity of 35 gallons per minute and will remove no more than ten acre-feet per year. Well WaterĪrizona law divides up the state into Active Management Areas (AMAs). Even when a permit is required, it is generally easy to obtain. ![]() You might find it easier to install underground rainwater cisterns, a practice which doesn’t require a permit in many areas. In some areas, getting a permit for a pond can be very difficult to get. You must get a permit before building a pond on your property in Arizona. Can I Build a Pond on My Property in Arizona? However, if you do not put that water to “beneficial use”, you can lose the water rights attached to the property. You may be able to find property (at a steep cost) which already has surface water rights attached to it. Generally, it is very difficult to get surface water rights in Arizona. ![]() Under the 1919 Arizona Surface Water Code, all people must get a permit before using any surface water, including surface water on their own property. Not only is the hauled water itself a large expense, but it requires gasoline and time to drive to water sites. Many people end up hauling water to their property. In many cities, it is actually illegal to go completely off-grid with water: local fire code may require you to connect to the municipal water supply.Įven if you are legally able to go off grid with water in Arizona, expect it to be a costly process. Best Refrigerator Options for Living Off the Gridīecause it is a desert state, it isn’t surprising that Arizona has some of the strictest laws in regards to water.Here’s What It’s Like Living without Power.These additional fees are being challenged in court as discriminatory, but it might be a while before Arizona becomes a friendly state for grid-tied solar. Power companies charge fees of about $50 per month simply for having solar panels and increased electricity fees for people who have solar panels. When it comes to grid-tied solar power though, Arizona is one of the worst states. It is also usually legal to install your own solar system in Arizona. You will need more documentation to get a permit for a larger system and might need an inspection. The permitting process for small systems is very quick and easy. In most places in Arizona, you will be required to get a permit for your off-grid solar system. However, be sure you look at local regulations about battery storage and permit requirements. There are permit requirements but they are generally easy to get for solar systems. Off-grid electricity is legal in Arizona. Some cities may also require you to connect to the municipal sewage system if it is located near your property. In urban areas though, you may not be able to go completely off grid because of Fire Ordinances which require you to have running water at a certain pressure. Outside of urban areas, Arizona’s zoning laws tend to be very relaxed and shouldn’t have many legal issues with going off grid. In all states, it is local zoning laws which ultimately determine whether it is legal to live off-grid. Further, some local laws might make it impossible to legally live completely off grid. You will need a permit for almost everything you want to install or build on your property. However, off grid living is highly regulated. State laws even encourage some off-grid systems. Off-grid living is technically legal in Arizona. ![]()
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