This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding groundwater management in Arizona, specifically by updating the requirements for water distribution entities. Under the current law, the director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) has the authority to adjust irrigation water duties and manage water loss. The bill introduces a new mandate that requires cities, towns, or private water companies designated as having an assured water supply in an initial active management area to limit lost and unaccounted for water to ten percent or less of the total quantity of water entering their distribution systems. This is a reduction from the previous allowance of up to ten percent, with an aspirational goal of achieving eight percent or less as a best management practice.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the calculation of lost and unaccounted for water can be done on either a calendar year basis or a three-year average basis. The language also clarifies that the requirement applies specifically to entities receiving Central Arizona Project water within initial active management areas. The bill makes technical changes to existing language, ensuring consistency with the new provisions while maintaining the overall structure of the current statutes.

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