The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes regarding groundwater withdrawal in Arizona, specifically in the Big Chino subbasin of the Verde River groundwater basin. The bill would allow cities or towns that own historically irrigated land in this subbasin to withdraw groundwater for transportation not only to adjacent initial active management areas but also to the headwaters of the Verde River within the Big Chino subbasin. This change is marked by the insertion of new language that specifies the headwaters as an additional permissible location for groundwater transport, while also making technical adjustments to the existing statute.

Additionally, the bill updates terminology by changing "sub-basin" to "subbasin" throughout the relevant sections. It maintains the existing provisions regarding the amount of groundwater that can be withdrawn and transported, ensuring that the regulations governing these withdrawals remain intact while expanding the options for water transport. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the management of groundwater resources in the region by providing more flexibility for municipalities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-555