Jude rules in favor of Home Builders Association of Central Arizona over groundwater dispute

A judge sided with the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona when it ruled the Arizona Department of Water Resources can't use what the judge called new rules to prevent developers from building. Developers were prevented from building in the West Valley because any new subdivision would deplete the aquifer in the East Valley. ADWR Director Tom Buschatzke said groundwater is all connected. Representing the Home Builders Association, Vice President of Litigation for the Goldwater Institute Jon Riches said this new standard hurt the housing market. 

KTAR News is dedicated to covering stories about Arizona's water supply and how the Colorado River shortage impacts all facets of life. The Water Watch series examines how water is necessary for energy generation, advanced manufacturing, housing development and continuing our way of life in the desert.