The proposed bill seeks to repeal section 45-544 of the Arizona Revised Statutes and introduces a new framework for managing groundwater in basin-fill aquifer areas outside of active management areas. Key changes include allowing the free transport of groundwater within the same basin or subbasin without the need for permits or approvals, and establishing personal groundwater accounts for landowners based on their correlative rights. The bill outlines a detailed process for determining the total surface area, volume of groundwater, and annual natural recharge in relevant basins or subbasins, which will inform the allocation of groundwater rights to landowners.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the director of the relevant department conduct assessments and audits every ten years to update the groundwater availability and recharge data, ensuring that personal groundwater accounts reflect current conditions. It also specifies that landowners can only withdraw water up to the amount available in their accounts and prohibits the appropriation of subflow or surface water out of priority. Overall, the bill aims to streamline groundwater management while ensuring equitable access for landowners in designated areas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-544