In which situation is an Assured Water Supply certificate NOT required for developers?

The requirement for an Assured Water Supply (AWS) certificate is specifically tied to the location of the development project in relation to Active Management Areas (AMAs) in Arizona. AMAs are designated regions where water resources are limited, and strict regulations are in place to manage water supply for new developments.

When a project is outside an AMA, developers are not subject to the same stringent requirements that govern those within AMAs. This means they do not need to secure an Assured Water Supply certificate because the regulations designed to ensure water availability are not enforced outside these designated areas. Therefore, if a project is located outside an AMA, developers can proceed without the certification, as the water supply management requirements are less stringent.

In contrast, projects within an AMA must demonstrate that they have a reliable water supply, particularly in regions where water scarcity is more pronounced. Similarly, projects with high water demand or those serving residential areas typically fall under the checks and balances provided by the AWS certification, which ensures sustainable water use for those developments.