The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to groundwater management in Arizona, specifically sections 45-576 and 48-3771 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. It introduces new provisions that allow municipal providers applying for a new designation of assured water supply in the Pinal Active Management Area (AMA) to elect for all parcels of member land in their service area to retain a replenishment obligation. Additionally, it prohibits the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) or any political subdivision from requiring owners of subdivided lands to pay for or provide a water source to mitigate groundwater demands incurred off their parcel as a condition for receiving a certificate of assured water supply.

The bill also makes technical corrections and clarifications, such as updating the definition of "assured water supply" and specifying that the municipal provider must notify the district and the director regarding the assumption of replenishment obligations. Furthermore, it ensures that owners of subdivided lands after the designation date are not held responsible for providing water sources to reduce obligations incurred for other lands. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the process for municipal providers and clarify the responsibilities of landowners in relation to groundwater replenishment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-113
Senate Engrossed Version: 45-576, 48-3771, 32-2101, 32-2181, 48-3772, 48-3774.01, 45-514, 45-515, 49-201, 45-497, 45-579, 45-576.02, 9-463.01, 11-823, 11-822
House Engrossed Version: 45-576, 48-3771, 32-2101, 32-2181, 48-3772, 48-3774.01, 45-514, 45-515, 49-201, 45-497, 45-579, 45-576.02, 9-463.01, 11-823, 11-822