The proposed bill amends existing Arizona groundwater laws by introducing new provisions regarding the replenishment obligations of member lands within municipal service areas designated as having an assured water supply. Under the current law, parcels of member land in such service areas have no further replenishment obligation. The new bill allows municipal providers to elect for these parcels to retain their replenishment obligations, which would require the district to replenish groundwater in accordance with the obligations applicable to those parcels. Additionally, the bill outlines a process for municipal providers to gradually assume these obligations over a ten-year period.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that municipal providers notify the district and the Department of Water Resources when applying for a new designation of assured water supply, indicating whether they choose to assume the replenishment obligations. It also specifies conditions under which the municipal provider can utilize groundwater allowances and extinguishment credits associated with member lands. The bill aims to ensure that groundwater management is effectively regulated while providing flexibility for municipal providers in managing their replenishment obligations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-256, 11-225
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-256, 11-225
House Engrossed Version: 48-3771, 48-3775, 48-3778, 48-3780, 48-3781, 45-576, 48-3774, 45-877.01, 48-3772, 35-146, 35-147, 48-3773, 48-3782, 45-576.01