Which of the following is NOT administered or enforced by ADWR?

The correct answer indicates that water quality standards are not administered or enforced by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). While ADWR plays a crucial role in managing and regulating water rights, well permitting processes, and groundwater conservation measures, water quality standards fall under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). ADEQ is responsible for establishing and enforcing standards related to the quality of water resources to ensure they are safe for consumption and environmental health.

In Arizona, the separation of responsibilities between ADWR and ADEQ allows for more specialized oversight: ADWR focuses on the allocation and regulation of water rights and usage, while ADEQ ensures that the water is of adequate quality for various uses, such as drinking and recreation. This delineation helps streamline the governance of water resources in a state where water management is critical due to its arid climate and growing population.