What is one of the four categories of water supplies in Arizona?

Groundwater is recognized as one of the four categories of water supplies in Arizona due to its critical role in providing water for various uses throughout the state. Arizona has significant groundwater reservoirs known as aquifers, which are essential for agricultural irrigation, municipal water supply, and other uses, particularly in areas where surface water is less available. The Groundwater Management Act of 1980 further emphasizes the importance of groundwater regulation and sustainable usage to protect these vital resources for future generations.

In contrast, while rainwater, desalinated water, and stormwater can be part of the broader context of water management and conservation practices in Arizona, they do not constitute one of the primary categories of water supplies as recognized under Arizona's water law framework. Rainwater harvesting and stormwater management are useful strategies but are often supplemental to the more substantial reliance on groundwater. Desalinated water, while a growing resource in some regions, is not a primary water supply within the traditional context of Arizona water law and geography.