It is declared policy of the legislature to provide for a coordinated effort for the restoration and conservation of the water resources of this state. The Arizona Water Protection Fund (AWPF) is a competitive state grant program that is designed to allow the people of Arizona to prosper while providing funding to interested parties for the development and implementation of measures to protect water of sufficient quality and quantity to maintain, enhance, and restore river and riparian resources throughout Arizona (including projects that benefit fish and wildlife that are dependent on these important resources), and measures to increase water availability and supply. The distribution of grant funds from the AWPF is authorized pursuant to A.R.S. § 45-2101 et seq. and is overseen by the Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission (Commission). The program is administered through the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR).
The AWPF supports projects that fit the following objectives to meet the program goals:
Provide identified and measurable benefits to the water resources of Arizona through broad-based local support.
Provide positive, effective examples for other similar projects.
Advance the field of water conservation knowledge in Arizona.
Increase public awareness of the function and value of riparian resources in Arizona.