This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding groundwater management in Arizona, specifically targeting the management of lost and unaccounted for water in distribution systems. Under the current law, the director has the authority to adjust irrigation water duties, but the bill introduces a new requirement for cities, towns, or private water companies designated as having an assured water supply in initial active management areas that receive Central Arizona Project water. These entities would be mandated to limit lost and unaccounted for water to 10% or less of the total quantity of water entering their distribution systems, calculated either annually or on a three-year average basis.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes that achieving a reduction to 8% or less of lost and unaccounted for water should be considered a best management practice. The proposed changes include the insertion of specific language that outlines these requirements and the deletion of outdated percentages related to irrigation water duties, thereby modernizing the statute to reflect current water management goals and practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-568
House Engrossed Version: 45-568