This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding the issuance of Certificates of Assured Water Supply. Under the new provisions, the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) would be required to accept both an analysis and a physical availability determination as valid demonstrations of physical availability for groundwater, provided that these were issued by May 31, 2023, and include a determination of physical availability. Additionally, applicants holding such analyses would be allowed to submit a sworn statement agreeing to reduce the remaining volume of groundwater reserved by 15% after receiving a certificate, which the Director must grant upon receipt of this statement.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that for each new certificate issued based on an analysis, the Director must use the water demand assumptions in effect at the time of the application. The analysis will also be adjusted to reflect the volume of groundwater based on these assumptions. The bill defines "analysis" as a determination by the Director that one or more criteria for a certificate have been met. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the process for obtaining water supply certificates while ensuring that groundwater resources are managed effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-576.11
Senate Engrossed Version: 45-576.11