On May 26, 2026, the public comment period begins for the proposal to designate the East Verde Estates community located in Gila County, Arizona, as a Nitrogen Management Area. The comment period ends on Sept. 23, 2026.

Details: 

ADEQ is proposing to designate the East Verde Estates community, serviced by the Payson Water Company – East Verde Estates community water system, as a Nitrogen Management Area (NMA).¹ The designation serves to regulate and reduce existing or potential nitrate groundwater contamination caused by sources of nitrogen that are not monitored after permit issuance, primarily on-site wastewater treatment systems, also known as septic systems.

• Learn more about NMAs | View NMA Page >

Location:

East Verde Estates is located approximately six miles north of the town of Payson, off Arizona State Route 87.

Review Documents:

• Original Published Public Notice | View Notice > 
• NMA Designation Report | View Report >
• East Verde Estates NMA Fact Sheet | View FS >  
• In person at ADEQ Record Center | Learn How >

Public Comment Period:

Dates: May 26, 2026 – Sept. 23, 2026

Comments may be submitted as follows:

•      By Email | Send Email >
•      By Mail (Must be postmarked or received by Sept. 23, 2026):

ADEQ
Water Quality Division

Attn: Matt Narter

1110 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ  85007

¹ Arizona Administrative Code R18-9-A317