Case #1066.0

Groundwater Regulation in Arizona

Publication Date: January 01, 1991
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Abstract:
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, increasing demands for water threatened to lead to a crisis in Arizona. The growth of the desert state's cities posed a conflict with its agricultural and mining interests. Its main source of water--groundwater extracted from beneath the arid surface--was threatened with depletion. This case frames the challenge faced by Arizona governor Bruce Babbitt to resolve the conflict in a way satisfactory to all three of the major interests: cities, farmers and mineowners. The case details the history of the Arizona groundwater dispute and the situation faced by Babbitt as he prepares to try to mediate it.

Learning Objective:
The case invites discussion of mediation/negotiation techniques which can be employed by an elected official. In addition, it can be used as a policy exercise calling for proposals to develop an Arizona water policy that both serves and satisfies all players.

Other Details

Case Author:
Arnold M. Howitt
Faculty Lead:
Arnold M. Howitt
Pages (incl. exhibits):
20
Setting:
United States
Language:
English
Funding Source:
Innovations in State and Local Government, a program sponsored by Ford Foundation and Harvard University