The proposed bill would update current statutes governing County Water Authorities by expanding the criteria for forming an Authority to include counties that contain a portion of the Harquahala Irrigation Non-expansion Area (INA) and do not overlap with an Active Management Area (AMA). It would also reduce the number of newspapers required for publishing notices of the Authority's formation from three to one and clarify board member qualifications to ensure representation from the Board of Supervisors of the county where the Authority is established. Additionally, the bill would allow the Authority to incorporate various water sources into its conservation plans and provide clearer guidelines for the acquisition and disposal of water resources, including groundwater from the Harquahala INA.

Moreover, the bill would amend definitions related to the formation of authorities, changing the population threshold from "ninety thousand" to "fifteen thousand" and allowing a broader range of municipal corporations as members. It introduces provisions for the transfer of Colorado River water entitlements, differentiating rules for authorities formed before and after January 1, 2025. The governance structure would be revised to allow for the appointment of directors, equitable assessment of dues, and penalties for members in arrears. Overall, these updates aim to streamline processes, enhance operational efficiency, and improve governance within County Water Authorities in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-2201, 45-2202, 45-2221, 45-2241, 45-2244, 45-2244.01, 45-2245, 45-2281, 45-2281.01, 45-2282, 45-402, 90-537