This bill proposes significant updates to current Arizona groundwater management statutes by introducing new definitions and requirements specifically for rural groundwater management areas. It mandates that the board of supervisors cannot approve final plats for subdivisions in these areas without an adequate water supply, as determined by the director of water resources. The bill clarifies the definition of "Council" to refer specifically to a rural groundwater management area council and establishes new requirements for subdivisions, including a written commitment of water service from designated providers. Additionally, it enhances clarity in existing provisions and removes outdated language, ensuring that public reports include essential information regarding military installations and water supply adequacy.

Furthermore, the bill expands the regulatory framework for groundwater management by establishing initial rural groundwater management areas and requiring individuals to apply for certificates to withdraw groundwater in these designated regions. It introduces compliance mechanisms for groundwater allocations, emphasizes conservation, and ensures public participation in the designation process. The bill also modifies existing provisions related to groundwater use certificates, including the establishment of a registry for applications and criteria for issuing certificates. Overall, these updates aim to improve the sustainability and regulation of groundwater resources in Arizona's rural areas, while also enhancing public health and safety.

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