The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to the Arizona Department of Water Resources by requiring the Director to include specific data in each five-year water supply and demand assessment for groundwater basins. The current law mandates that the Director prepare and issue an assessment for at least six of the fifty-one groundwater basins annually, ensuring that all basins are assessed at least once every five years. The bill introduces new requirements for the assessments, including metrics such as average depth-to-static level, changes in groundwater levels, bedrock depth, the number of active wells, and the volume of groundwater in storage, among others.

Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to the existing language but does not alter the fundamental structure of the current law. The new provisions aim to enhance the comprehensiveness of groundwater assessments, providing a clearer picture of groundwater resources and management in Arizona. If enacted, these changes would take effect on the general effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-105
Senate Engrossed Version: 45-105