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 new language that specifies the headwaters as an additional permissible location for groundwater transport, while also making minor technical adjustments to the existing language.

Additionally, the bill would replace the term "sub-basin" with "subbasin" throughout the relevant sections, ensuring consistency in terminology. The current limitations on the amount of groundwater that can be withdrawn and transported remain unchanged, but the bill clarifies the conditions under which these withdrawals can occur. Overall, the updates aim to enhance the management and transportation of groundwater resources in the region while maintaining existing regulatory frameworks.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-555