Tucson Basin Deep Fossil Aquifer
Deep basin-fill aquifer beneath the Tucson Basin containing Pleistocene-age fossil water. Recharge to deep zones is minimal in the modern arid climate. Tucson has experienced significant water table decline — over 200 feet since the 1940s.
Overview
Deep basin-fill aquifer beneath the Tucson Basin containing Pleistocene-age fossil water. Recharge to deep zones is minimal in the modern arid climate. Tucson has experienced significant water table decline — over 200 feet since the 1940s.
Additional Notes
Arizona Department of Water Resources Active Management Area. Adjudicated groundwater rights.
Water Source Data
Water Intelligence Score Breakdown
Total: 72/100Risk Assessment
Source depletion probability
Rights & regulatory exposure
Contamination & ecosystem risk
Geological Intelligence
Formation & aquifer contextHigh porosity — shallow, rechargeable aquifer
Ancient water, no modern recharge — non-renewable on human timescales
Land Details
PrivateWater Rights
UnverifiedGroundwater Rights
Subsurface water extraction
Rules vary significantly by state — from absolute ownership (landowner controls all water below) to correlative rights (shared among overlying owners) to regulated permit systems.
- Doctrine varies by state jurisdiction
- May require state-issued permit
- Subject to aquifer-wide management plans
- Pumping rates often capped
Disclaimer: Water rights information is provided for research and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rights status, seniority, transferability, and enforceability vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Always consult a licensed water rights attorney and verify status with the relevant state water resources agency before any acquisition or use decision.
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Location
Data Sources & Attribution
Updated Apr 5, 2026Data is sourced from public and authoritative providers. Hi3 Water aggregates, normalizes, and scores records but does not assert ownership of underlying source data. Always verify critical details with the primary source before any decision.