Arizona Real Estate License Arizona Water Law 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Central Arizona Project (CAP) primarily delivers water from which source?
- The Colorado River (Correct answer)
- The Salt River
- The Gila River
- Lake Mead groundwater wells
Correct answer: The Colorado River
The CAP canal system delivers Colorado River water to central and southern Arizona.
Question 2: A water right in Arizona that has not been used for a long period may be lost through:
- Forfeiture or abandonment (Correct answer)
- Adverse possession
- Eminent domain
- Escheat
Correct answer: Forfeiture or abandonment
Unused appropriative water rights can be forfeited or abandoned under 'use it or lose it' principles.
Question 3: Which of the following is considered surface water under Arizona law?
- Water in a natural stream or river (Correct answer)
- Water percolating underground
- Water in a private cistern
- Municipal tap water
Correct answer: Water in a natural stream or river
Surface water includes flowing streams, rivers, and lakes subject to appropriation.
Question 4: A homeowner's right to a certificate of assured water supply is most relevant when:
- Selling lots in a new subdivision within an AMA (Correct answer)
- Renting an existing apartment
- Installing a swimming pool
- Refinancing a mortgage
Correct answer: Selling lots in a new subdivision within an AMA
Assured water supply certificates are required for platting and selling new subdivision lots in AMAs.
Question 5: The term 'safe yield' in Arizona groundwater management means:
- Long-term balance between withdrawal and natural/artificial recharge (Correct answer)
- Maximum possible pumping
- Zero groundwater use
- Water quality standards
Correct answer: Long-term balance between withdrawal and natural/artificial recharge
Safe yield seeks equilibrium so that groundwater withdrawals do not exceed replenishment.
Question 6: Water rights in Arizona are generally treated as:
- A property right that can be conveyed (Correct answer)
- Personal property that cannot transfer
- A federal-only interest
- A revocable license with no value
Correct answer: A property right that can be conveyed
Appropriative water rights are property rights that can be bought, sold, and transferred subject to regulation.
Question 7: A real estate agent selling rural Arizona land with a well should advise the buyer to verify:
- Well registration, depth, and water rights with ADWR (Correct answer)
- Only the paint color
- The neighbor's fence line
- The listing photos
Correct answer: Well registration, depth, and water rights with ADWR
Buyers should confirm well status and water rights through ADWR before purchasing rural property.
Arizona Real Estate License Arizona Water Law 3
The Central Arizona Project (CAP) primarily delivers water from which source?