The proposed bill would update current groundwater management statutes in Arizona by introducing new provisions that allow landowners in the Phoenix and Pinal active management areas (AMAs) to apply for groundwater savings credits through the permanent relinquishment of their irrigation grandfathered rights (IGFR). Key changes include requirements for the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to notify IGFR holders of preliminary recommendations before issuing credits and to confirm their intent to relinquish rights. The bill also establishes a method for quantifying credits based on relinquished acreage and sets limits on the volume of credits that can be received. Additionally, it introduces a groundwater savings program for the Tucson AMA and mandates a review of the program's effectiveness by specific deadlines.

Moreover, the bill prohibits municipalities from imposing certain landscaping requirements in subdivisions where groundwater savings credits have been pledged, ensuring that zoning and land use cannot be altered without meeting specific conditions. It clarifies that certain volumes of groundwater may be exempt from physical availability requirements for assured water supply applications, while still adhering to other regulations. The bill also sets a timeline for the repeal of the groundwater savings program by January 1, 2036, and requires the Director of ADWR to adopt rules for implementing these changes by June 30, 2026. Overall, these updates aim to enhance water conservation efforts and provide a structured framework for managing groundwater resources in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-465.05, 45-576, 45-576.08, 45-576.01, 41-1075, 45-114, 45-411.01, 45-561, 45-597, 45-598, 32-2101, 32-2181, 48-3772, 48-3774.01, 45-514, 45-515, 49-201, 45-497, 45-579, 45-576.02, 9-463.01, 11-823, 11-822
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-463.01, 9-500.53, 45-465.05, 45-463.03, 45-576, 45-576.08, 48-3772, 32-2101, 45-402, 45-108, 45-561, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 9-463, 45-132, 45-632, 45-467, 45-802.01, 33-1802, 45-114, 45-597, 45-598, 45-563.03, 32-2181, 48-3774.01, 45-514, 45-515, 49-201, 45-497, 45-579, 45-576.02, 11-823, 11-822, 45-851.01
Chaptered Version: 9-463.01, 9-500.53, 45-465.05, 45-563.03, 45-576, 45-576.08, 48-3772, 32-2101, 45-402, 45-108, 45-561, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 9-463, 45-132, 45-632, 45-467, 45-802.01, 33-1802, 45-114, 45-597, 45-598, 32-2181, 48-3774.01, 45-514, 45-515, 49-201, 45-497, 45-579, 45-576.02, 11-823, 11-822, 45-851.01