HB2589 amends Arizona's groundwater code by adding section 45-576.10, which changes the requirements for issuing a certificate of assured water supply. The bill mandates that the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) must accept an analysis as a valid demonstration of physical availability of groundwater for the volume stated in the analysis, with certain conditions. The analysis must have been issued by May 31, 2023, not be expired, and include a determination of physical availability of groundwater. Additionally, applicants holding such an analysis can submit a sworn statement agreeing to reduce the reserved groundwater volume by 15% after receiving a certificate, which the Director must then grant.

The bill also stipulates that new certificates must use the water demand assumption in place when the application was submitted, and the analysis must be reduced by the volume of groundwater using the same assumption as when originally issued. The difference in volume between the water demand assumptions at the time of application and the original analysis remains available for further development in the service area of the designated provider. The term "analysis" is defined as a determination by the Director of ADWR that one or more criteria required for a certificate have been demonstrated for a development.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-576.10
House Engrossed Version: 45-576.10