The proposed bill updates current statutes by allowing eligible entities that own historically irrigated acres in the McMullen Valley Groundwater Basin to withdraw groundwater for transportation to specified locations and purposes. It introduces new requirements for groundwater withdrawal, including limits on annual and ten-year withdrawal amounts, stipulations for hydrological studies, and the installation of water measuring devices. The bill also defines eligible entities and outlines conditions for groundwater transportation, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and reporting obligations. Additionally, it modifies existing provisions related to water improvements programs, land division disclosure affidavits, and groundwater transportation fees, while repealing outdated requirements and clarifying definitions.

Furthermore, the bill establishes new regulations for groundwater withdrawal from the McMullen Valley groundwater basin, including criteria for withdrawal rates and reporting requirements. It allows the board of supervisors to create water delivery programs and expands permissible uses of grant funds for water delivery infrastructure. The bill mandates annual reporting on groundwater withdrawals and adjusts transportation fees based on economic indicators. It also clarifies the authority of improvement districts, expands their scope to include domestic water delivery systems, and updates definitions related to property classifications. Overall, these changes aim to enhance groundwater resource management and improve the operational framework for improvement districts in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-552
House Engrossed Version: 11-254.09, 33-422, 45-552, 45-556, 45-2281, 48-901, 48-902, 48-909, 11-480, 11-831, 32-2181, 28-8461, 28-8482, 9-500.28, 11-818, 9-500.50, 11-818.01, 6-801, 45-554, 45-2491, 41-563, 42-15251, 45-2245, 45-2244, 45-2282, 45-2202