This bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to enhance regulations surrounding water withdrawal permits and conservation measures. It requires property owners planning to develop new or increased large quantity water withdrawals to register with the department prior to commencing such withdrawals, with exemptions for certain individuals, including those with existing registrations or noncommercial well owners, unless they exceed specified withdrawal thresholds. Additionally, the bill mandates the department to publish annual reports on water usage by data centers and wastewater effluent data from permitted entities, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in water resource management.

The legislation also revises the process for developing and approving water conservation measures, highlighting the involvement of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for agricultural purposes. It establishes a framework for public notification and comment periods for water withdrawal permit applications, ensuring stakeholder engagement. New requirements are introduced for entities expected to use 550,000 gallons of water or more per day, including restrictions on withdrawing from state waters and the necessity to partner with a community supply that holds a safe drinking water permit. Permits are valid for ten years and are nontransferable, with certain exemptions for agricultural use and existing community supplies. The department is granted authority to create rules for effective implementation of these provisions.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 324.32705