This bill proposes updates to section 45-105 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically enhancing the requirements for the water supply and demand assessments conducted by the Department of Water Resources. Under current law, the director is required to prepare and issue these assessments for at least six groundwater basins annually, ensuring that all basins are assessed at least once every five years. The bill introduces detailed criteria that the director must include in each five-year assessment, which encompasses various measurements related to groundwater levels, well distribution, and recharge projects.

The new insertions specify that the assessments must now include metrics such as the average depth-to-static level, changes in groundwater levels over the preceding five years, the maximum depth of bedrock, and the total volume of groundwater available. Additionally, the assessments will need to account for the number and distribution of active index wells, as well as the impact of stormwater and groundwater recharge projects. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a clearer understanding of groundwater resources and their management over time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-105