This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding groundwater replenishment obligations for municipal providers in Arizona. Specifically, it adds the Pinal Active Management Area (AMA) to the existing provisions that currently apply only to the Phoenix AMA. The new language allows municipal providers applying for a new designation of assured water supply in both the Phoenix and Pinal AMAs to elect for all parcels of member land in their service area to retain a replenishment obligation. This means that the multi-county water conservation district would be required to replenish groundwater in an amount equal to the obligation applicable to those parcels.

Additionally, the bill removes certain prohibitions related to the responsibilities of landowners of subdivided lands concerning water sources and replenishment obligations. It clarifies that municipal providers must notify the district and the director of the Department of Water Resources about their choice to assume the replenishment obligation for member lands when applying for assured water supply designation. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process and clarify obligations related to groundwater replenishment in the Pinal AMA while making technical adjustments to existing statutes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 48-3771
House Engrossed Version: 48-3771
Senate Engrossed Version: 48-3771
Chaptered Version: 48-3771