This bill proposes significant updates to Arizona's groundwater management statutes, particularly focusing on rural groundwater management areas. It introduces new definitions and provisions, such as "rural groundwater management area" and "rural groundwater management area council," and establishes criteria for designating these areas. The bill mandates that final plats for subdivisions in these areas cannot be approved without a written commitment of water service or proof of adequate water supply, as determined by the director of water resources. Additionally, it modifies existing language to clarify the conditions for groundwater withdrawal and use, requiring individuals to apply for a certificate of groundwater use and establishing compliance mechanisms for managing groundwater allocations.

The bill also repeals outdated provisions, such as the Willcox active management area, replacing it with the Willcox rural groundwater management area, and allows for expedited rulemaking to implement these changes. It introduces new reporting requirements for groundwater withdrawals, enhances penalties for violations, and emphasizes public engagement in the designation process. Overall, the bill aims to create a more structured and accountable framework for groundwater management in both rural and active management areas, ensuring sustainable use and conservation of water resources in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-823, 32-2181, 32-2183, 32-2197.08, 33-406, 41-1005, 45-108, 45-108.01, 45-402, 45-453, 45-454, 45-596, 45-597, 45-598, 45-599, 45-601, 45-604, 45-632, 45-635, 45-812.01, 45-831.01, 45-832.01, 45-834.01, 45-841.01, 45-852.01, 45-855.01, 45-2602, 11-821, 32-2101, 45-441.11, 45-441.13, 45-561, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 28-8461, 28-8486, 33-1202, 41-1801, 41-4273, 48-3772, 48-3774.01, 45-576, 44-1844, 44-1845, 44-1846, 9-463.01, 37-102, 28-8484, 32-2183.05, 32-2183.06, 32-2184, 32-2154, 32-2157, 33-1215, 33-1219, 32-2181.02, 32-2181.01, 44-1522, 32-2197.04, 32-2197.07, 32-2197.14, 33-411, 5-321, 5-322, 5-327, 17-332, 28-641, 6-125, 3-1086, 41-4010, 41-4042, 32-2067, 32-2132, 5-111, 41-511.05, 36-2205, 36-3409, 28-7048, 32-1527, 46-805, 23-908, 3-414, 26-303, 35-192, 28-7705, 36-2901.08, 3-605, 111-353, 3-109.03, 41-1012, 11-822, 45-114, 3-1201, 45-414, 45-415, 45-411, 45-411.02, 45-411.03, 45-437, 45-465, 45-564, 45-568, 45-483, 45-463, 45-464, 45-469, 45-472, 45-494.01, 45-591.01, 45-441.10, 45-441.06, 45-441.01, 45-404, 45-441.02, 45-802.01, 45-441.03, 45-441.04, 16-168, 19-111, 45-441.05, 45-441.08, 45-441.07, 45-441.09, 45-441.12, 45-441.14, 45-441.15, 35-190, 35-313, 45-593, 45-600, 45-594, 45-595, 32-1121, 49-201, 96-510, 49-286, 94-580, 99-499, 35-146, 35-147, 45-606, 45-515, 45-521, 45-563.02, 45-634, 45-875.01, 45-854.01, 45-871.01, 45-851.01, 45-591, 45-514, 48-3771, 45-859.01, 45-853.01, 45-2611, 45-412