The bill amends existing water allocation laws in Iowa, specifically addressing the concept of beneficial use. It removes the current definition of beneficial use, which is defined as the application of water to a useful purpose that benefits the user while prohibiting waste or pollution. Instead, the bill stipulates that the determination of beneficial use will be made by the Department of Natural Resources on a case-by-case basis when evaluating permit applications for water diversion, storage, or withdrawal, and it emphasizes that this determination should not rely on predefined categories of use.

Additionally, the bill modifies the processing priority for permit applications, changing the language to indicate that priority will be given based on the order applications are received, except when such a system would delay routine approvals or threaten public health, safety, or welfare. It establishes a timeline for the approval or denial of permit applications, requiring decisions within ninety days for new applications and thirty days for renewals, while allowing for extensions if necessary. The bill also mandates that all permits issued after July 1, 1986, include conditions for routine conservation practices and emergency measures as needed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 455B.261, 455B.265