Bill > HCR2039

This joint resolution clarifies the legislative intent behind Arizona's 1980 Groundwater Management Act, specifically addressing the interpretation of "assured water supply" as defined in Arizona Revised Statutes section 45-576. The resolution opposes a proposed rule by the Arizona Department of Water Resources and establishes that when determining an assured water supply, the state cannot require an applicant to demonstrate more water than necessary to meet their proposed use for 100 years. It prohibits the denial of water supply certificates based on factors such as groundwater availability, water source combination, well depth, or unmet demand from other users, as long as the applicant can demonstrate sufficient water supply for their specific needs. The resolution mandates that when an application involves groundwater, the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources must determine the maximum volume of groundwater deemed continuously available, and if the application meets the Act's requirements, the Director cannot deny or withhold the issuance of a certificate or the processing of an application. Essentially, the resolution aims to prevent overly restrictive interpretations of water supply requirements and protect applicants' ability to secure water resources for their proposed uses.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82466