This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding the withdrawal of groundwater from the Butler Valley groundwater basin. Under the new provisions, the La Paz County Board of Supervisors would be the sole entity authorized to withdraw groundwater from land that La Paz County owns or leases, replacing the existing allowance for withdrawals from state-owned or political subdivision lands. The bill specifies that groundwater can only be transported outside the basin under two conditions: it must be used solely by La Paz County or its subdivisions for their own use, or it can be sold or leased to a multi-county water conservation district for replenishment obligations.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language surrounding the title to land in the Butler Valley basin, allowing for the sale or exchange of such land specifically to La Paz County, rather than just to the state or other political subdivisions. This change aims to clarify and streamline the regulations governing groundwater management in the region, ensuring that the resources are utilized primarily for local needs or conservation efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-553