On Feb. 13, 2026, the comment period begins for the proposed Upper Verde River Outstanding Arizona Water Nomination rulemaking. The comment period ends April 14, 2026.

This rulemaking proposes to amend Arizona Administrative Code R18-11-112(G) to designate specific portions of the Upper Verde River and Sycamore Creek upstream of the Town of Clarkdale as Outstanding Arizona Waters (OAWs). Designating these surface waters as OAWs is the highest-level protection that ADEQ assigns to surface waters. This designation recognizes that the Upper Verde River and portions of Sycamore Creek have extraordinary ecological, recreational, and cultural significance and ensures long-term protection of the value these surface waters provide to local communities, recreational users, and threatened and endangered species. 

Review Documents:

• Notice of Proposed Rulemaking | View >
• Rulemaking Page | Learn More >
• Or in person at the ADEQ Record Center | Learn How >

Public Comment Period:

Dates: Feb. 13, 2026 – April 14, 2026

Comments may be submitted as follows:

• By Email | Send Email >     
• By Mail (Must be postmarked or received by April 14, 2026):

ADEQ
Water Quality Division
Attn: Jonathan Quinsey
1110 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ  85007

• At Virtual Public Hearing | April 10, 2026 | 1 p.m. | View Details >