WILLCOX — With water the hot-button issue in northern Cochise County, the City of Willcox announced it has received help from a state agency to improve its water delivery systems.
The city received a $4 million grant from the state Water Infrastructure Finance Authority to be used for two projects: $2.5 million for wastewater collection system rehabilitation and $1.9 million for planning for a water system expansion and strengthening.
During the previous 12 months, the city received an additional $4.6 million in grants from WIFA for four other projects:
- $2 million for emergency well repairs
- $2.4 million for meter replacement and park irrigation
- $119,000 for cemetery turf removal
- $80,000 for SCADA system upgrades
In December 2025, the Arizona Department of Water Resources — which oversees WIFA — said the Willcox Groundwater Basin meets the criteria for designation as an Active Management Area.
An AMA regulates the access and withdrawal of groundwater, as well as sets conservation measures and monitors impact from wells.
Attempts by the state Legislature to overturn the decision were vetoed by Gov. Katie Hobbs.
The Willcox Groundwater Basin includes Willcox, Bowie, San Simon, Pearce, Sunsites and Dragoon in Cochise County; and Bonita and Sunset in Graham County.
