The bill HB2097 requires the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to create rules that support the use of gray water and composting toilets in residential settings, specifically allowing gray water use in single-family homes and rural land by June 1, 2026. It exempts properties utilizing only composting toilets and gray water from connecting to traditional wastewater systems, aiming to enhance gray water reuse, reduce costs, and maintain public health and safety. The bill also broadens the definition of gray water to include wastewater from dishwashers and kitchen sinks (excluding those with garbage disposals) and introduces definitions for "residential rural land" and "composting toilet."

In contrast to current law, which limits gray water use and lacks provisions for composting toilets, the bill prohibits local zoning ordinances from imposing additional restrictions beyond ADEQ's standards, thereby simplifying regulations. It also clarifies that permits are not needed for constructing gray water systems or installing composting toilets that comply with the new regulations. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the regulatory process, promote sustainable practices, and provide flexibility for homeowners in rural areas while ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-811, 11-812, 11-815, 49-201, 49-204, 49-701, 11-813, 13-3401, 36-2801, 3-111, 36-136, 27-301, 3-112, 49-141, 9-462.01, 27-446, 27-441, 27-303, 11-804, 49-243, 92-500, 49-203, 49-922, 49-223, 49-241.01, 49-241, 49-221, 93-523, 95-190, 45-576
House Engrossed Version: 11-811, 11-812, 11-815, 49-201, 49-204, 49-701, 11-813, 13-3401, 36-2801, 3-111, 36-136, 27-301, 3-112, 49-141, 9-462.01, 27-446, 27-441, 27-303, 11-804, 49-243, 92-500, 49-203, 49-922, 49-223, 49-241.01, 49-241, 49-221, 93-523, 95-190, 45-576
Senate Engrossed Version: 11-811, 11-812, 11-815, 49-201, 49-204, 49-701, 11-813, 13-3401, 36-2801, 3-111, 36-136, 27-301, 3-112, 49-141, 9-462.01, 27-446, 27-441, 27-303, 11-804, 49-243, 92-500, 49-203, 49-922, 49-223, 49-241.01, 49-241, 49-221, 93-523, 95-190, 45-576, 11-251.12