Bill > SCR1039

This joint resolution, if approved by voters, enacts a new law in Arizona that establishes a water withdrawal fee for groundwater taken from state lands, which includes any land owned or held in trust by the state, such as leased school or university land. The Director of Water Resources will create rules to determine the fair market value of this water, define what constitutes "large-volume water use," and set up reporting and compliance requirements. The fee will be based on this fair market value, with the possibility of a tiered structure and higher fees for large-volume users to encourage conservation and equitable contribution to water management. Up to ten percent of the collected fees can be used for administering the program, while ninety percent will be split evenly between the Arizona Water Protection Fund and the Water Conservation Grant Fund, with the fair market value and fee reassessed every five years. This measure also amends an existing law to include the new water withdrawal fee as a funding source for the Arizona Water Protection Fund.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85273