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 conforming changes to existing language. It clarifies that for municipal providers designated as having an assured water supply, owners of subdivided lands after the designation date cannot be mandated to provide or pay for a water source to address replenishment obligations incurred for lands other than their own. Overall, these updates aim to streamline the process for municipal providers and landowners while ensuring groundwater replenishment obligations are clearly defined and manageable.

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