This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning groundwater replenishment. Notably, it introduces a new requirement that, starting December 31, 2029, groundwater must be replenished in the same subbasin from which it was withdrawn for real property that qualifies as member land and for member service areas. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the district may determine that new real property does not qualify as member land upon the effective date of the amendment, and it allows for the possibility that an additional service area of a municipal provider may not qualify as a member service area.

The bill also modifies existing provisions regarding replenishment obligations for parcels of member land within municipal service areas. It establishes that if a municipal provider's service area is designated as having an assured water supply, the parcels of member land within that area may have no replenishment obligation. Furthermore, it outlines a process for municipal providers to assume replenishment obligations over time, detailing how they can report groundwater deliveries and the associated obligations. 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