Bill > HB2753

This bill amends Arizona's groundwater replenishment laws specifically for the Pinal Active Management Area (AMA), modifying how municipal water providers handle groundwater replenishment obligations. The bill allows municipal water providers with an Assured Water Supply (AWS) designation to choose whether member lands within their service area will retain their groundwater replenishment obligations after September 14, 2024. If a municipal provider elects to allow member lands to retain their replenishment obligation, they must gradually assume these obligations over ten years, starting with at least 10% in the first year and increasing by 10% annually until the provider fully assumes all groundwater delivery and replenishment responsibilities. The bill provides flexibility for how extinguishment credits and groundwater allowances can be used during this transition, allowing municipal providers to use these credits according to existing member service area agreements. Additionally, the bill clarifies that after a municipal provider fully assumes groundwater obligations, they no longer need to submit reports for those member lands while maintaining their AWS designation. This modification aims to provide more administrative flexibility in managing groundwater replenishment in the Pinal AMA.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83214