Arizona Water Company (AWC) announced it has officially received its Designation of Assured Water Supply (Designation) in a signing ceremony with Governor Katie Hobbs, marking an historic milestone in providing water security for the communities of Coolidge, Casa Grande and the surrounding Pinal County areas.
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AWC’s Designation affirms the utility has met rigorous state standards for providing water security for its existing and future customers. The Designation came as a result of significant changes in 2024 to the existing Assured Water Supply Program, providing a new pathway for utilities like AWC to secure a Designation. These changes, also known as the Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply or ADAWS, along with critical legislation passed in 2024 and 2025, highlight Governor Hobbs’ commitment to protecting water supplies for existing homes and businesses while creating a path for future economic development and also protecting Arizona’s water supplies. These critical changes reflect years of collaboration between state and local leaders, utilities, and water policy experts to develop solutions that balance wise use of water with economic development.
“This ADAWS Designation is a critical step to building homes, growing our economy, and protecting our water for generations,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Pinal County has waited a decade for water solutions like this one, and today we are proving that Arizona has what it takes to conquer our water challenges and deliver real results for our communities. Congratulations to Arizona Water Company and all the stakeholders who have worked for years to make this a reality.”
The Assured Water Supply program, administered by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), requires utilities to secure diverse water portfolios—including surface water, effluent, and other renewable sources while reducing reliance on groundwater to maintain a long-term water supply. The ADAWS changes were developed in response to state groundwater models showing potential shortfalls in meeting 100-year demands.
“This designation is more than a regulatory milestone—it is a promise to our customers and communities,” said Fred Schneider, president of Arizona Water Company. “By securing our Designation and committing to developing a diverse water supply portfolio, we are ensuring that Coolidge, Casa Grande, and the surrounding Pinal County areas can meet current and future demands, so our communities can continue to thrive economically while we responsibly manage the water supply.”
Local leaders emphasized the importance of this Designation. Pinal County Supervisor Stephen Miller added, “Without Arizona Water Company’s designation, we live in our past, and home prices skyrocket for lack of new subdivisions. We hope our economy will double in size by 2060. The Designation strikes a balance between the past and the future.”
Casa Grande Mayor Lisa Fitzgibbons highlighted the impact this Designation will have on her city’s future. “For Casa Grande and communities across Pinal County, AWC’s designation is a game changer,” Mayor Fitzgibbons said. “It gives us the water certainty we need to provide our citizens so we can attract new employers and keep home prices attainable for families.”
Arizona Water Company’s new Designation will now sustain more than 40,000 customers in Coolidge, Casa Grande and the surrounding Pinal County area, in addition to responsibly managing growth across some of Arizona’s fastest-developing regions opening the door to the industrial expansion and housing needs of the area.
