What does an Assured Water Supply certificate guarantee?

An Assured Water Supply (AWS) certificate provides a guarantee of sufficient water supply for developments within an Active Management Area (AMA) in Arizona for a period of 100 years. This designation is particularly important as it ensures that developers and local governments can plan with confidence that there will be adequate water resources available to support growth and development without risking over-extraction or depletion of water supplies.

The 100-year assurance is pivotal in promoting sustainable water usage in an area where water is a constrained resource, taking into account future demographic changes and their impact on water demand. This certification is essential for all new subdivisions in these regulated areas, ensuring that any development meets the state's rigorous assessment of water supply sustainability.

The other options do not align with the AWS certificate's intent; they either overstate or mischaracterize the guarantees provided. For instance, the certificate does not guarantee unlimited water resources or free access to water, and it is not solely based on population increases but rather on a comprehensive assessment of available water resources, projected demand, and sustainable management practices.