This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning groundwater management. Key changes include the correction of the term "geographical" to "geographic" in definitions related to "active management area" and "irrigation non-expansion area." The bill also modifies the definition of "animal industry use" to clarify that it includes the production and feeding of livestock and poultry, and it specifies that contiguous farms outside of an irrigation non-expansion area can collectively exceed ten irrigation acres. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the use of water measuring devices for nonexempt wells, establishing clearer guidelines for when such devices are required based on the amount of groundwater withdrawn and the type of use.

Furthermore, the bill expands reporting requirements for individuals withdrawing groundwater from nonexempt wells, mandating detailed records of withdrawals, uses, and the quantity of fuel or electricity consumed by pumps. It also updates the penalties for late reporting and clarifies the responsibilities of irrigation districts in filing annual reports. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the management and regulation of groundwater resources in Arizona, ensuring better compliance and accountability among users.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-402, 45-604, 45-632, 45-2602, 3-1201, 45-414, 45-415, 45-454, 45-411, 45-411.02, 45-411.03, 45-437, 45-465, 45-564, 45-568, 45-483, 45-463, 45-464, 45-469, 45-472, 45-494.01, 45-591.01, 45-563.02, 35-146, 35-147