Groundwater; transporting requirements; technical correction
The modifications proposed in HB2085 aim to clarify and tighten regulations surrounding the use of groundwater in Arizona’s active management areas. For any city, town, or private water company that possesses a central Arizona project water delivery subcontract but has not yet tapped into its full water entitlement, the bill imposes restrictions on utilizing transported groundwater. The legislation also requires entities to demonstrate sufficient physical capacity and prior usage levels of project water prior to the acceptance of transported groundwater, thereby promoting responsible resource management.
House Bill 2085 introduces amendments to section 45-557 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, focusing on groundwater transport requirements. This bill is particularly relevant for cities, towns, and private water companies in Arizona that receive groundwater from specific basins or sub-basins and aim to transport it to an initial active management area. The amendments delineate conditions under which such groundwater can be considered for assured water supply assessments, impacting the management and distribution of water resources in the state.
Though the bill appears to strengthen management of groundwater resources, it may draw scrutiny for potentially limiting access for some municipalities and private entities that struggle to meet the stringent requirements. Although proponents argue that such measures ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources, critics may raise concerns about equitable access to water resources, particularly for rural or smaller communities that may lack the infrastructure to comply with the new conditions. This tension highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing water use regulations and community needs within Arizona.