This bill proposes updates to Arizona Revised Statutes regarding groundwater management by adding new provisions and responsibilities for rural groundwater management work groups. Specifically, it introduces section 45-580.01, which establishes a rural groundwater management work group in each groundwater basin, appointed by the natural resource conservation district board and soil and water conservation district. The work groups will include affected parties and local experts, such as agricultural producers, and are required to submit annual reports of their findings and recommendations to the Department of Water Resources. Additionally, the bill mandates that districts coordinate their support for these work groups, hold joint meetings if multiple districts are involved, and submit collaborative reports to the Department of Water Resources by December 31 each year. The bill also stipulates that members of the work groups serve without compensation but can be reimbursed for expenses, and it requires the Department to provide administrative support to the work groups as needed. Overall, these changes aim to enhance collaboration and oversight in groundwater management across Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-6054, 45-580.01