The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to water storage permits in Arizona, specifically allowing a storer in the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA) to recharge stormwater within constructed underground storage facilities. This change would enable storers to receive replenishment credits for the stormwater recharged, which can be used or transferred to offset their replenishment obligations within the same subbasin. The bill also requires the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to determine the quantity of stormwater recharged annually and maintain records of replenishment credits.

Additionally, the bill introduces definitions and stipulations regarding stormwater, clarifying that it does not include surface water, effluent, incidental recharge, or net natural recharge. It emphasizes that the storage of stormwater must not infringe on existing water rights and allows the Director to issue permits specifically for stormwater storage. The bill also modifies existing language to ensure consistency in terminology, such as changing "sub-basin" to "subbasin" and updating the conditions under which water storage permits can be modified.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-522
Senate Engrossed Version: 45-831.01, 45-837.01, 45-852.01, 45-854.01, 45-871.01
House Engrossed Version: 45-831.01, 45-837.01, 45-852.01, 45-854.01, 45-871.01