This bill proposes updates to current statutes regarding conservation requirements for industrial water use within Arizona's Active Management Areas (AMAs). Specifically, it mandates that by January 1, 2026, the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) must include conservation requirements for industrial uses in management plans for qualifying AMAs. These requirements will apply to industrial uses that are both within and outside the service area of designated service providers, provided they meet certain criteria, such as using more than 100 acre-feet of water per year and not being subject to greater conservation requirements than submitting a plan to improve water use efficiency.

Additionally, the bill prohibits management plans and related entities from imposing certain obligations on industrial water users, such as obtaining a certificate of assured water supply or developing within a municipal provider's service area. The conservation requirements must also include provisions for on-site water reuse, recycling, and efficiency. The bill defines "qualifying AMA" as those specifically authorized by the legislature for alternative paths to assured water supply designation and agricultural to municipal use programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-571.03
House Engrossed Version: 45-571.03