Arizona § 48-2978 - General powers of board of directors

Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 48-2978 — General powers of board of directors, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 48-2978. General powers of board of directors

In order to accomplish the purposes of the district the board may:

1. Purchase or acquire water rights.

2. Acquire or lease real estate and personal property when necessary.

3. Acquire and hold stock in irrigation ditch and reservoir companies.

4. Lease, sell and otherwise dispose of real estate and personal property.

5. Construct, acquire or purchase canals, ditches, reservoirs, reservoir sites, water, water rights, rights-of-way or other property deemed necessary for the use of the district.

6. Acquire the right to enlarge any ditch, canal or reservoir already constructed or partially constructed.

7. Provide for the construction, operation, leasing and control of plants for the generation, distribution, sale and lease of electrical energy, including sale to municipalities, corporations, public utility districts or individuals of electrical energy so generated.

8. Make appropriations of water for irrigation and power purposes.

9. Refer to the qualified electors of the district any optional or administrative measure or method of procedure or any other matter or proposition the board deems necessary or advisable.

10. Establish tolls or charges for service of irrigation, domestic water, electricity and other commodities.

11. Control the finances and property of the district.

12. Appropriate money and provide for the payment of district debts and expenses.

13. Exercise exclusive control over the laterals, ditches, canals, rights-of-way and other property of the district, prevent encumbering thereof, abate and remove all encumbrances and obstructions thereon, make improvements thereon, vacate any right-of-way not necessary for the further use of the district and protect such right-of-way from encroachment and injuries.

14. Erect and maintain transmission lines and pipelines, culverts, roads and crossways, and prevent obstructions thereon.

15. Provide the district with water, electricity and other public conveniences and necessities, and engage in any and all activities, enterprises and occupations within the powers and privileges of municipalities generally.

16. Apply surplus money in the district treasury to liquidation of district debts or to the creation of a sinking fund pursuant to section 48-2979.

17. Make, amend or repeal resolutions, bylaws and rules necessary for the government of or for carrying into effect the powers vested in irrigation districts or any department or officer thereof, and enforce observance thereof by imposition of penalties. The board may impose penalties not exceeding:

(a) Five hundred dollars for violations by persons who use water for domestic purposes, as defined in section 45-454.

(b) Five thousand dollars for violations by persons who use water for purposes other than domestic purposes.

Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 48-2978

What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 48-2978 cover?

Section 48-2978 ("General powers of board of directors") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Arizona § 48-2978?

A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 48-2978" (Arizona). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Arizona law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.

How does Arizona § 48-2978 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.