This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning groundwater replenishment. Notably, it introduces a new requirement that, starting December 31, 2029, districts must replenish groundwater in the same subbasin from which it was withdrawn for member land or service areas. Additionally, it clarifies that if a parcel of member land is within a municipal provider's service area designated as having an assured water supply, it will have no replenishment obligation as long as that designation is in effect. The bill also allows municipal providers to choose to retain replenishment obligations for parcels of member land, with a structured plan for gradually assuming these obligations over a ten-year period.

The bill also makes various deletions and modifications to existing language to streamline the statutes. For instance, it removes outdated provisions regarding the definitions and obligations of municipal providers and member lands, while updating the language to reflect the new structure of obligations and reporting requirements. Furthermore, it allows the district to determine that new real property may not qualify as member land, thereby providing more flexibility in managing groundwater resources. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the management and sustainability of groundwater resources in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 48-3771, 48-3774, 48-3775, 48-3778, 48-3780, 48-3781, 45-576, 45-576.01, 48-3772, 32-2183, 45-877.01, 35-146, 35-147, 48-3773, 48-3782