The proposed bill would update current groundwater management statutes by introducing a framework for establishing Temporary Non-Expansion Areas (TNAs) in regions not currently designated as Active Management Areas (AMAs) or Irrigation Non-Expansion Areas (INAs). It allows for the designation of a TNA through a petition process requiring signatures from at least half of the irrigation users and 10% of registered voters within the groundwater basin or subbasin. The bill outlines procedures for petitioning, including verification of signatures and the responsibilities of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) in facilitating the process. It also imposes restrictions on groundwater use within TNAs, limiting irrigation to previously irrigated lands and capping groundwater withdrawals.

Additionally, the bill proposes several deletions and insertions to current law. It removes the requirement for replacement wells to be drilled in the same location as original wells and introduces new regulations for groundwater withdrawal from non-exempt wells, including a cap of five acre-feet per acre for irrigation uses within a TNA. The bill mandates the use of approved water measuring devices for significant groundwater users and requires annual reporting to the ADWR on groundwater usage. Furthermore, it replaces previous reporting requirements with a mandate for a hydrological analysis of groundwater basins or subbasins before the end of a 10-year moratorium period, ensuring better groundwater management and conservation efforts in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-596, 16-168, 19-111, 45-445.01, 45-445.02, 45-445, 45-445.03, 45-834.01
House Engrossed Version: 45-596, 16-168, 19-111, 45-445.01, 45-445.02, 45-445, 45-445.03, 45-834.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 45-596, 16-168, 19-111, 45-445.01, 45-445.02, 45-445, 45-445.03, 45-834.01