The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend existing statutes related to groundwater savings credits (GSCs) and irrigation grandfathered rights (IGFRs) in Arizona. It introduces new provisions that allow holders of GSCs to continue irrigating their land under a temporary permit for up to two years after the issuance of the GSCs. This temporary permit would be issued by the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) upon the relinquishment of an IGFR, provided that a request accompanies the application. The bill also stipulates that the holder of the temporary permit can use groundwater for irrigation as if the IGFR had not been relinquished, subject to existing regulations and management plans.

Additionally, the bill modifies the process for pledging GSCs to assured water supply applications and establishes that the determination of groundwater availability remains valid until a final decision is made by the ADWR. It also includes technical changes to clarify the rights and responsibilities of GSC holders, such as the conditions under which the temporary permit may be terminated and the classification of water delivered under the permit for storage credit purposes. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the management of groundwater resources while providing flexibility for landowners transitioning from IGFRs to GSCs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-2426
Senate Engrossed Version: 45-2426
House Engrossed Version: 45-465.05, 45-494, 45-632, 45-467, 45-576, 45-802.01, 45-132, 33-1802, 45-114, 32-2101, 45-561, 45-597, 45-598