Big Chino subbasin; Verde River
The enactment of HB 2731 will significantly affect local water management practices and potentially support sustainable water use within the targeted regions. By providing a framework for how groundwater can be withdrawn for transportation, the bill aims to balance the needs of urban development with the preservation of water resources. This could enhance water supply for municipalities that need additional sources of water while promoting effective groundwater management in the Big Chino subbasin.
House Bill 2731 proposes amendments to section 45-555 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically addressing the withdrawal and transportation of groundwater from the Big Chino subbasin of the Verde River groundwater basin. The bill establishes conditions under which a city or town with historically irrigated land can withdraw groundwater for transport to adjacent active management areas or headwaters. It specifies the maximum amount of groundwater that can be withdrawn and lays out the procedures for determining annual transportation allotments based on historically irrigated acres retired from irrigation.
Notable points of contention arise from the methods proposed for determining the annual water allotments and the implications for local landowners and Indian tribes. Concerns may be raised regarding the ability of cities to withdraw large quantities of groundwater, which could exacerbate existing water scarcity issues. Additionally, stakeholders, including farmers and indigenous communities, may voice objections over how water rights are allocated, particularly if those depend on relinquishing other water rights, such as from the Central Arizona Project. The balancing act between urban water demands and agricultural needs is critical in discussions surrounding this bill.