The proposed bill would update current groundwater management statutes by introducing a program that allows landowners in the Phoenix or Pinal active management areas (AMAs) to permanently relinquish their irrigation grandfathered rights (IGFR) in exchange for groundwater savings credits. Key changes include the requirement for the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to notify IGFR holders of preliminary recommendations before issuing credits, the ability for subsequent landowners to assign groundwater savings credits, and the establishment of depth-to-static water level limits for AMAs. The bill also mandates that the Director assess the viability of extending the groundwater savings program by December 31, 2033, and allows holders of groundwater savings credits to pledge these credits to assured water supply applications. Additionally, the bill imposes restrictions on municipalities regarding the use of groundwater in areas associated with relinquished IGFRs, including prohibiting certain landscaping and water feature requirements. It also exempts certain volumes of groundwater from physical availability requirements and requires the Director to restore relinquished groundwater savings credits upon application. Overall, the bill aims to enhance water conservation efforts while providing a structured process for landowners to transition to a more sustainable groundwater management model.

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