This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding water storage and management in Arizona, specifically focusing on the recharge of stormwater in the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA). Under the new provisions, a storer in the Phoenix AMA would be allowed to recharge stormwater within a constructed underground storage facility, receiving a replenishment credit for the water recharged. The Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) would be required to determine the quantity of stormwater recharged annually and credit the storer's account with 95% of the total volume. Additionally, the bill allows storers to transfer replenishment credits to other eligible entities and specifies conditions under which these credits can be used to offset replenishment obligations.

The bill also introduces definitions and clarifications regarding stormwater, stating that it refers to water collected from impervious surfaces and does not include surface water, effluent, incidental recharge, or net natural recharge. Furthermore, it emphasizes that the storage of stormwater must not infringe on existing water rights. The bill modifies existing language to include stormwater as a permissible source for water storage permits and makes technical corrections to ensure clarity in the statutes. Overall, these changes aim to enhance water management practices while protecting existing water rights.

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