The proposed bill would update current statutes regarding assured water supply (AWS) in Arizona by introducing new provisions and definitions. Specifically, it would create an alternative AWS designation for individuals withdrawing groundwater and storing water recovered from outside the area of impact. The Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) would be required to consider groundwater and stored water as physically available for new AWS applicants under certain conditions. The bill also establishes a formula for determining the volume of groundwater and stored water for AWS designations and outlines requirements for applicants seeking to modify their AWS designation to include stored water.

Additionally, the bill would prohibit the inclusion of additional groundwater sources from an active management area (AMA) in an AWS designation that already includes groundwater and stored water. It sets the initial designation term for AWS at up to 15 years, allows for expedited modifications, and requires applicants to demonstrate financial capability for constructing necessary water delivery and treatment facilities. New definitions for key terms such as "area of impact," "assured water supply," and "stored water" would also be added, clarifying the legal framework for water supply management in Arizona.

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