The proposed bill would amend section 45-105 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to enhance the requirements for the five-year supply and demand assessments conducted by the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). Currently, the Director is required to prepare and issue assessments for at least six of the fifty-one groundwater basins and ensure that all basins are assessed at least once every five years. The bill would insert specific data points that must be included in each assessment, such as the average depth-to-static level, changes in groundwater levels, the maximum depth of bedrock, the number of active index wells, and the total volume of groundwater available.

Additionally, the bill would require the Director to report on the average distance between active index wells, the geographic distribution of these wells, the total number of stormwater and groundwater recharge projects, and the volume of groundwater recharged due to these projects over the preceding five years. This comprehensive data inclusion aims to provide a clearer picture of groundwater resources and management in Arizona, thereby enhancing the state's ability to address water policy challenges.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-105
House Engrossed Version: 45-105