The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding the storage of Colorado River water and Central Arizona Project (CAP) water during declared shortages. Specifically, it would prohibit municipal providers from accruing long-term storage credits (LTSCs) for any Colorado River or CAP water stored during such shortages. This change is aimed at ensuring that water resources are managed more sustainably during periods of scarcity. The bill also clarifies that stored water does not include transported groundwater or other non-CAP water transported via the CAP aqueduct.

Additionally, the bill would remove certain existing requirements, such as the obligation for the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) Director to reject assignments of LTSCs that violate the new provisions. It would also eliminate the prohibition on municipal providers ordering CAP water for storage during shortages, thereby allowing for more flexibility in water management. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the regulatory framework governing water storage and usage in Arizona amidst ongoing water scarcity challenges.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-852.01, 45-854.01, 48-3713.02, 45-851.01, 45-802.01, 45-591, 45-599, 45-514, 48-3772, 48-3771, 45-859.01, 45-853.01, 45-834.01, 45-855.01