The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes regarding groundwater storage and recovery well permits. Specifically, it would require the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to assume that a recovery well is within the area of impact of stored water if the applicant does not submit a separate hydrologic study and the well is located within one mile of certain specified locations, including the exterior boundary of a constructed underground storage facility or the middle line of a drainage channel within the storage area of a managed underground storage facility. This insertion aims to streamline the permitting process for recovery wells by clarifying the conditions under which the area of impact is determined.

Additionally, the bill would make technical changes to existing language, such as updating the terminology from "sub-basin" to "subbasin" and clarifying the rights of applicants, particularly conservation districts, regarding existing wells. The current provisions that outline the conditions under which recovery can occur would remain largely intact, but the new language would enhance the clarity and efficiency of the recovery well permitting process. Overall, the bill seeks to facilitate groundwater management while ensuring that the necessary regulatory framework is maintained.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-834.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 45-834.01
House Engrossed Version: 45-834.01