Bill > HB2097

This bill establishes a limit of six acre-feet of groundwater per acre per year for land legally irrigated with groundwater from a non-exempt well, and imposes a $150 penalty for exceeding this limit, with exceptions for correctional facilities and small-scale irrigators. It also introduces new provisions for "subsequent irrigation non-expansion areas," which are designated regions where groundwater use for irrigation is restricted, allowing for the substitution of retired irrigated acres for new ones or the construction of new wells in different locations, provided these actions do not result in a net increase in groundwater withdrawals within the area. The bill also clarifies reporting requirements for groundwater withdrawals and introduces specific rules for well locations in these areas to prevent harm to other water users.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83718