This bill proposes significant updates to Arizona's groundwater management statutes by establishing a process for designating temporary non-expansion areas (TNA) outside of active management areas (AMA) and irrigation non-expansion areas (INA). It introduces a petition process requiring signatures from at least half of the irrigation users and 10 percent of registered voters within the groundwater basin or subbasin. The bill outlines specific requirements for petition verification, public meetings, and limits on groundwater irrigation within the TNA, including restrictions on new well drilling and groundwater withdrawal beyond established levels. Key amendments include the removal of the requirement for a replacement well to be drilled in approximately the same location and the prohibition of groundwater withdrawal exceeding five acre-feet per acre per year for irrigation use within a TNA. It also requires users to utilize approved water measuring devices and file annual reports detailing groundwater use. Furthermore, the bill mandates a hydrological analysis by the Director of ADWR before the end of a 10-year moratorium period, replacing previous reporting requirements, and allows for the continuation or lapse of TNA designations based on these findings. Overall, these updates aim to improve groundwater management and accountability 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