Bill > SB1288

This bill amends Arizona law to establish new provisions for determining the assured water supply for development, particularly concerning groundwater. It allows the director, who oversees water resources, to accept prior analyses or physical availability determinations of groundwater made before May 31, 2023, as valid proof of water availability for issuing a certificate of assured water supply, provided these analyses include a determination of physical availability. The bill also introduces a process where an applicant holding such an analysis can agree to reduce the remaining groundwater volume by fifteen percent in exchange for the director granting a certificate of assured water supply. Furthermore, when a new certificate is issued based on an older analysis, the bill specifies how the groundwater volume is adjusted, ensuring that any difference in water demand assumptions used between the original analysis and the new certificate application remains available for future development within the designated provider's service area. An "analysis" in this context refers to a director's determination that certain requirements for a certificate of assured water supply have been met for a development. The bill is declared an emergency measure, meaning it will take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84812