This bill proposes to amend section 45-105 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, updating the requirements for the five-year supply and demand assessments conducted by the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). Under current law, the Director is required to prepare and issue assessments for at least six of the fifty-one groundwater basins annually and ensure that all basins are assessed at least once every five years. The bill adds specific data points that must be included in these assessments, such as the average depth-to-static level, net changes in depth, maximum bedrock depth, and various metrics related to active index wells and groundwater recharge projects.

The new provisions will require the Director to report on detailed measurements, including the total volume of groundwater available, the number of years' worth of groundwater at current usage rates, and the impact of recharge projects over the preceding five years. These additions aim to enhance the comprehensiveness of the assessments, providing a clearer picture of groundwater resources and management in Arizona. The bill will take effect on the general effective date upon passage.

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