What is an Active Management Area (AMA)?

An Active Management Area (AMA) is fundamentally designed to address the challenges of water scarcity and manage water resources in a sustainable manner. In Arizona, AMAs are established in regions where water supplies are limited or threatened due to growing demand and various environmental factors.

The key defining characteristic of an AMA is the existence of stricter regulations on water usage and conservation practices. This means that within an AMA, there are enforced rules and guidelines that help manage water supplies more effectively. These regulations often include limitations on how much water can be extracted, requirements for water conservation, and various programs to promote responsible usage among residential, agricultural, and industrial users.

The goal of an AMA is to ensure that water resources are used more judiciously and to protect the long-term sustainability of these resources for future generations. In contrast, areas without such designations may not have comprehensive oversight or rules aimed at conserving water, leading to a potential increase in unsustainable water usage practices. Thus, the emphasis on stricter regulations is what firmly establishes the identity and purpose of an AMA within the framework of Arizona's water management strategies.