The proposed bill would update current statutes regarding the issuance of certificates of assured water supply by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) for land in the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA). It introduces new requirements for ADWR to review applications submitted between January 26, 2021, and August 31, 2023, provided that a certificate has not yet been issued. The review process is contingent upon the submission of a notice of intent to serve from the municipal provider, which must include calculations for long-term storage credits based on excess groundwater delivered. Additionally, the bill repeals certain modified application requirements and mandates that certificates issued under these new provisions will retroactively apply as if issued in 2023 for assured water supply designation applications. Furthermore, the bill imposes new obligations on municipal providers, such as conducting annual calculations of excess groundwater delivered and offering long-term storage credits to the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD). It clarifies that the purchase of these credits will not impact annual replenishment assessments for member lands. The bill also includes provisions for notifying applicants of their eligibility for review, allows for the resubmission of applications, and specifies that the section will be repealed after December 31, 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-321, 11-831, 32-2181, 33-422, 32-2101, 32-2183, 32-2185.09, 28-8461, 28-8486, 33-1202, 41-1801, 41-4273, 45-402, 48-3772, 48-3774.01, 45-576, 44-1844, 44-1845, 44-1846, 11-823, 9-463.01, 45-108, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 33-406
House Engrossed Version: 11-321, 11-831, 32-2181, 33-422, 32-2101, 32-2183, 32-2185.09, 28-8461, 28-8486, 33-1202, 41-1801, 41-4273, 45-402, 48-3772, 48-3774.01, 45-576, 44-1844, 44-1845, 44-1846, 11-823, 9-463.01, 45-108, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 33-406