What right is granted under the irrigation grandfathered right?

The irrigation grandfathered right is specific to Arizona water law and pertains to the use of groundwater for irrigation purposes based on historical usage. This right is significant as it allows landowners who have a documented history of pumping groundwater for irrigation prior to certain regulatory changes to continue to use that water for their agricultural activities. This is critical in Arizona, where managing and allocating water resources is vital due to the arid climate and competing demands for water.

Under this right, the quantity of groundwater that can be used is typically determined based on past usage, providing a vested interest in preserving the agricultural value of that land. This not only supports sustainable farming practices but also maintains historical agricultural operations that might otherwise face restrictions due to newer regulations aimed at groundwater conservation.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the scope of the irrigation grandfathered right, such as selling water rights separately (which is generally governed by different legal mechanisms), using surface water without restrictions, or developing new irrigation systems unrestricted.