Nearly four decades ago, Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt enacted major changes in the state’s system of water regulation when he signed the Groundwater Management Act of 1980 into law. Now, the 81-year-old former governor is speaking out about water again, this time making his case that it’s time for Arizona to update how it manages groundwater.

Babbitt spoke at a conference of county supervisors from across the state Tuesday, calling for new legislation that would give county officials the authority to take the lead in managing groundwater.