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. 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 procedures for public meetings, signature verification, and elections to establish TNAs, while also implementing regulations on groundwater use within these areas, such as limiting irrigation to previously irrigated lands and prohibiting new irrigation for a decade.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws by removing the requirement for replacement wells to be drilled in similar locations, thereby allowing more flexibility. It prohibits groundwater withdrawals for irrigation from non-exempt wells from exceeding five acre-feet per acre per year within a TNA and mandates the use of approved water measuring devices and annual reporting for significant groundwater withdrawals. The Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) is tasked with conducting hydrological analyses before the end of the TNA's moratorium period and submitting findings to state officials. Overall, these updates aim to improve groundwater management and sustainability in response to ongoing water policy challenges.

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