This bill proposes significant updates to current Arizona groundwater management statutes by introducing new definitions and regulations specifically for rural groundwater management areas. It establishes the term "rural groundwater management area" and outlines the criteria for designating these areas, which will include five initial regions corresponding to specific groundwater basins. The bill mandates that final plats for subdivisions in these areas cannot be approved unless there is confirmation of an adequate water supply or a written commitment for water service from an approved provider. Additionally, it clarifies the responsibilities of the director of water resources and the role of rural groundwater management area councils, which will be tasked with developing management plans and goals.

The bill also modifies existing language by deleting outdated terms and provisions, enhancing clarity and compliance in groundwater management practices. It introduces new regulations governing the withdrawal and use of groundwater, including requirements for obtaining certificates of groundwater use and mandates for public participation in the designation process. Furthermore, it establishes a rural groundwater management area fund to support conservation efforts and outlines new reporting requirements for groundwater withdrawals. Overall, these updates aim to strengthen the management and conservation of groundwater resources in both urban and rural areas, ensuring sustainable use and consistent regulatory practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-823, 32-2181, 32-2183, 32-2197.08, 33-406, 41-1005, 45-108, 45-108.01, 45-402, 45-453, 45-454, 45-596, 45-597, 45-598, 45-599, 45-601, 45-604, 45-632, 45-635, 45-812.01, 45-831.01, 45-832.01, 45-834.01, 45-841.01, 45-852.01, 45-855.01, 45-2602, 11-821, 32-2101, 45-561, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 45-441.11, 28-8461, 28-8486, 33-1202, 41-1801, 41-4273, 48-3772, 48-3774.01, 45-576, 44-1844, 44-1845, 44-1846, 45-441.13, 9-463.01, 37-102, 28-8484, 32-2183.05, 32-2183.06, 32-2184, 32-2154, 32-2157, 33-1215, 33-1219, 32-2181.02, 32-2181.01, 44-1522, 32-2197.04, 32-2197.07, 32-2197.14, 33-411, 5-321, 5-322, 5-327, 17-332, 28-641, 6-125, 3-1086, 41-4010, 41-4042, 32-2067, 32-2132, 5-111, 41-511.05, 36-2205, 36-3409, 28-7048, 32-1527, 46-805, 23-908, 3-414, 26-303, 35-192, 28-7705, 36-2901.08, 3-605, 111-353, 3-109.03, 41-1012, 11-822, 45-114, 3-1201, 45-414, 45-415, 45-411, 45-411.02, 45-411.03, 45-437, 45-465, 45-564, 45-568, 45-483, 45-463, 45-464, 45-469, 45-472, 45-494.01, 45-591.01, 45-441.10, 45-441.06, 45-441.01, 45-404, 45-441.02, 45-802.01, 45-441.03, 45-441.04, 16-168, 19-111, 45-441.05, 45-441.08, 45-441.07, 45-441.09, 45-441.12, 45-441.14, 45-441.15, 35-190, 35-313, 45-593, 45-600, 45-594, 45-595, 32-1121, 49-201, 96-510, 49-286, 94-580, 99-499, 35-146, 35-147, 45-606, 45-515, 45-521, 45-563.02, 45-634, 45-875.01, 45-854.01, 45-871.01, 45-851.01, 45-591, 45-514, 48-3771, 45-859.01, 45-853.01, 45-2611, 45-412