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 the Big Chino 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 same subbasin. This change is marked by the insertion of the phrase "or the headwaters of the Verde River within the Big Chino subbasin" into the existing statute, which currently only permits transportation to adjacent management areas.

Additionally, the bill makes several technical changes, including the replacement of "sub-basin" with "subbasin" throughout the text. It clarifies that the amount of groundwater that can be withdrawn remains subject to existing limitations, ensuring that the overall framework for groundwater management is preserved while expanding the permissible locations for water transport. The bill also maintains the definitions and requirements outlined in the current law, ensuring consistency in the regulatory approach to groundwater management in the region.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-555