Continuing ADWR Operations While Doing Our Part to Help Slow the Spread

COVID-19: ADWR Continuing Operations banner image

Updated: October 13, 2021

This is a rapidly evolving situation and ADWR will provide updated information and guidance as it becomes available.

Regarding IN-PERSON Customer Service at adwr offices

ADWR remains open for business. Staff will meet with customers in-person by appointment only if we are unable to assist you online or over the phone. Access to 1110 W. Washington, Suite 310, will remain locked during business hours, however. Signs are posted on the ADWR office doors with call-in information for walk-up customers. Customer services provided over the phone or online remain unchanged.

 

Frequently contacted divisions

 

REGARDING FACE COVERINGS FOR VISITORS TO ADWR

The Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) now advises that face coverings are recommended for those not fully vaccinated who are entering State buildings. This includes the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) building at 1110 W. Washington St. in Phoenix. 

 

Changes at ADWR to Protect Public Health and Continue Serving Arizonans During COVID-19

To better serve our customers and communities in this time of need, ADWR has shifted its operations to provide enhanced services online and by phone. Currently, our offices at 1110 W. Washington St., Suite 310 in Phoenix have transitioned temporarily to an appointment-only service method for our customers needing in-person service. These measures will allow us to protect the health and safety of our customers and staff, increase physical distancing at our offices and continue to serve Arizonans.

The people of ADWR remain committed to providing our customers with fast, high-quality service, even under these challenging circumstances.

A great deal of ADWR services now are available online. But if in-person services are necessary, we urge our customers to contact us by phone or email to make an appointment first.

 

A MESSAGE FROM ADWR DIRECTOR TOM BUSCHATZKE:

“Our first priority is the health and well-being of our customers and staff. We are committed to continuing to serve Arizonans during this challenging public health situation. It is our view that these measures will allow us to fulfill our mission of public service while providing a safe environment for our customers and staff.”

MORE ON CONTINUING OPERATIONS AT ADWR

 

ADWR is continuing to closely monitor the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). CDC and ADHS have not recommended the closure of offices at this time, but are recommending telework and other alternatives when available. ADOA now advises that face coverings are recommended for those not fully vaccinated when entering State buildings. This includes the ADWR building at 1110 W. Washington St. in Phoenix. ADWR will continue keeping a limited number of staff members on site and will be seeing customers by appointment only. Please call 602-771-8500 to schedule an appointment.

ADWR is deemed an essential State Government service and will remain open to serve our customers.  

ADWR is well-positioned to work outside the office, and our mission to ensure long-term, reliable water supplies remains a priority. ADWR will continue our vital mission work protecting Arizona’s water supplies while also minimizing exposure risk to staff and customers.

We remain open for business and ready to serve the people of Arizona. 

ADWR’s office hours of operation remain unchanged. 

 

HAVING DIFFICULTY REACHING ADWR?

Due to an increased volume of phone calls, some are not getting through to Arizona State offices. We appreciate your patience. If you do not get through we ask that you try your call again later or try finding an email contact on our Contact Us page.

Many ADWR services can be accessed online from our website.

This page will be updated as needed.

Visit the ADHS for updates on COVID-19 in Arizona

 

EVENTS AND MEETINGS

EVENTS AND MEETINGS, GENERAL INFORMATION:

Scheduled ADWR events and meetings will be conducted online-only: ADWR Public Meetings Calendar >

 

Online Reporting

In response to the COVID-19 emergency and to allow Arizonans to gradually and safely return to normal, pursuant to A.R.S. §§ 45-614(E), 45-632(O), 45-874.01(D) and 45-875.01(E), the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources is waiving all late fees associated with filing annual reports, including late fees for the payment of groundwater withdrawal fees and long-term storage credit recovery fees, from March 31, 2020 through June 26, 2020. No penalties will be assessed for reports filed and fees paid on or before June 26, 2020.

 

Permits and Compliance

Work to issue permits will continue, although permitting processes that require field visits could see delays.  ADWR will continue to respond to instances of non-compliance and constituent concerns.

 

Safe Drinking Water Resources

  • EPA's webpage “Coronavirus and Drinking Water and Wastewater” | View EPA's Page >
  • CDC's webpage CDC's webpage “Water Transmission and COVID-19” | View CDC's Page >
  • Association of State Drinking Water Administrators webpage “2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)” | View ASDWA's Page >

 

Resources

 

Questions?

For questions regarding ADWR operations, contact:

Doug MacEachern
ADWR Communications Administrator
602-771-8507
[email protected]

 

For questions regarding constituent concerns, contact:

Ben Alteneder
ADWR Ombudsman 
602-364-2650
[email protected]

For all other inquiries, call 602-771-8500, or see ADWR’s website.