The proposed bill would amend current statutes to allow for the recharging of stormwater within constructed underground storage facilities in the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA). Specifically, it would enable a storer to recharge stormwater and receive a replenishment credit, which is a new provision not currently included in the law. The Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) would be required to determine the quantity of stormwater recharged annually and credit the storer's account accordingly. Additionally, the bill would allow storers to transfer these credits to other eligible entities and use them to offset their replenishment obligations within the same subbasin.

Current law stipulates that water storage permits can only be issued under specific conditions, which the bill would expand to include stormwater as a valid source for aquifer replenishment. The bill also clarifies that the storage of stormwater does not infringe on existing water rights and defines stormwater in detail. Other technical changes include the treatment of replenishment credits as groundwater rather than stored water and the ability for the Director to issue permits specifically for stormwater storage. Overall, the bill aims to enhance water management practices in Arizona by integrating stormwater into the existing framework for water storage and replenishment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-831.01, 45-837.01, 45-852.01, 45-854.01, 45-871.01