AMWUA vigorously protects our members’ ability to provide assured, safe, and sustainable water supplies and advocates for Arizona’s continued water security.
Where We Stand On The Issues
Smart water policy and careful planning, investment, and management have enabled AMWUA’s members to build robust, reliable water supplies that support our communities and economy. It is imperative that we continue to address the issues in front of us to ensure the future viability of those supplies. Learn more about some of the issues we are working on:
Where We Stand on Legislation
2021 - Fifty-fifth Legislature - First Regular Session
Arizona Senate
SB 1147: Water banking; storage credits; subcontractors
In Brief: Allows the Arizona Water Banking Authority to directly distribute long-term storage credits to M&I Subcontractors
Sponsor(s): Kerr
Last Action: Signed by Governor 4/14
Description: For nearly three decades the Arizona Water Banking Authority (AWBA) has stored Colorado River water underground to supplement the water supplies of Central Arizona Project (CAP) Municipal & Industrial (M&I) subcontractors. To access the stored water in times of shortage, current statutes require that the AWBA must first transfer the LTSC to CAP for recovery. This bill would provide the AWBA with the option to distribute LTSC directly to M&I subcontractors. The concept of direct distribution is an outcome of a stakeholder effort to plan for the recovery of water supplies stored by the AWBA. This legislative change would provide flexibility and simplicity for recovery of AWBA credits and reduces the cost of recovery to end users.
SB 1021: Groundwater; waterlogged area exemption; date
In Brief: Extends exemptions associated with the Buckeye Waterlogged Area (BWLA) through 2034.
Sponsor(s): Kerr
Last Action: HB 2078 signed by Governor on 2/8
Description: The Buckeye Waterlogged Area (BWLA) was established by the Legislature in 1988, covering an area surrounding the Gila River from confluence with the Salt River west to Gillespie Dam, which includes part of Avondale and Goodyear. Within the BWLA, farmlands are exempt from water duties, certain irrigation districts are exempt from conservation requirements, and entities pumping groundwater are not required to pay withdrawal fees. Statute requires that ADWR review the area’s hydrologic conditions and make a recommendation to the Governor and Legislature on whether or not the exemptions should continue. ADWR published its findings in December 2019 and recommended that the BWLA continue through 2034. This bill would extend the BWLA exemptions through 2034, as recommended by ADWR.
SB 1079: Well drilling; groundwater basins
In Brief: Establishes a well drilling moratorium in the Upper San Pedro and Verde Valley Subbasins
Sponsor(s): Steele
Last Action: Assigned to Senate NREW Committee 1/12. Did not receive a hearing.
Description: Establishes a well drilling moratorium that prevents new wells in the Upper San Pedro and Verde Valley groundwater subbasins until the conclusion of the General Stream Adjudication unless a well is a replacement well or does not pump subflow.
SB 1177: Forest products; processing; tax credit
In Brief: Establishes a forest industry tax credit intended to promote forest thinning and watershed health
Sponsor(s): Kerr
Last Action: Passed House NREW Committee 3/9
Description: This legislation would establish a new tax credit for qualifying entities in the forest product industry that participate in the Arizona Commerce Authority’s “Healthy Forest Enterprise Incentive Program.” The tax credit is determined by the volume qualifying forest products that the business processes annually. This legislation, developed by SRP, is intended to incentivize increased forest thinning to improve watershed conditions. The tax credit offered in this legislation expires after 10 years.
SB 1037: Water efficient plumbing fixtures
In Brief: Updates to Arizona's plumbing code to require water efficient fixtures.
Sponsor(s): Engel
Last Action: Assigned to House Committees 1/11. Did not receive a hearing.
Description: Arizona adopted water-efficiency standards for indoor plumbing fixtures in 1992 which have since been superseded by various federal laws and requirements. This bill would update Arizona’s water-efficiency standards to align with criteria established by the WaterSense Program, a public-private partnership between industry, utilities, and regulators.
SB 1274: Assured water supply; subdivisions
In Brief: Modifies assured water supply statutes for Designated Water Providers in the Pinal AMA and material plat changes for Certificates of AWS.
Sponsor(s): Shope
Last Action: Signed by Governor 2/12
Description: This measure has been introduced on behalf of the Pinal AMA Stakeholder Group, entities working to address groundwater physical availability issues in the Pinal AMA that has caused ADWR to hold issuing new Assured Water Supply Certificates and Designations. HB 2336 and SB 1274 would amend statute to allow a water provider only in the Pinal AMA to Modify their most recent Designation of Assured Water Supply (AWS) without having to re-demonstrate the physical availability of groundwater as long as the Provider is not seeking to increase its physical availability volume. This bill codifies ADWR’s existing policies related to determining the “Area of Impact” for water stored underground that will be included in an AWS application. The bill also changes the AWS statutes to allow developers to change the land use type or increase the number of housing units on a subdivision plat associated with existing Certificates of AWS, provided that the overall water use does not increase. Current regulations require developers to apply for a new Certificate if a plat is revised and housing units are increased by 10% or more. AMWUA has worked with the proponents of this bill to incorporate technical amendments related to the AWS Program as well as to secure a provision that would ensure ADWR can revise its Rules across all AMAs to make conforming changes.
SB 1370: Environmental quality programs; terminations; repeal
In Brief: Removes statutory termination dates for multiple ADEQ programs.
Sponsor(s): Kerr
Last Action: Signed by Governor 3/18
Description: This bill proposes to remove the statutory termination dates for multiple programs administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Current statutes include sunset dates for these individual programs, separate from ADEQ’s sunset review as an entire agency. Removing the termination dates for these programs would align their sunset reviews with the ADEQ sunset review.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/75393?SessionId=123
SB 1314: Groundwater pumping; measuring; reporting
In Brief: Mandates water use metering and reporting for nonexempt groundwater wells throughout the state
Sponsor(s): Steele
Last Action: Assigned to Senate NREW Committee 1/25. Did not receive a hearing.
Description: Requires monitoring and annual reporting for nonexempt groundwater wells throughout the state. Water users who irrigate 10 or fewer acres that are not part of a larger farming operation, or water users who pump <10 acre-feet per year for non-irrigation use are exempted from this requirement.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/75187?SessionId=123
SB 1368: Water conservation notice; no forfeiture
In Brief: Protects a water right holder from forfeiture through nonuse if they file a 'water conservation plan' with ADWR
Sponsor(s): Kerr
Last Action: HB 2056 signed by Governor 2/18
Description: Allows a water right holder to file a “Water Conservation Plan” with ADWR. Upon filing a plan that outlines water conservation measures that are planned or will be implemented, the water rights included in that notice would be shielded from a claim of abandonment or forfeiture. The Plan can be extended by 10-years, indefinitely. Includes a legislative intent clause specifying that the Legislature intends the provisions to only apply prospectively. (Mirrors HB 2056)
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/75391?SessionId=123
SB 1366: Remediated water; groundwater; use
In Brief: Extends statutory incentive for remediation of contaminated groundwater
Sponsor(s): Kerr
Last Action: Signed by Governor 4/20
Description: In 1997 the Arizona legislature enacted reform measures to the WQARF Program, including creation of incentives for the use of remediated groundwater to facilitate the cleanup of groundwater contamination. Session Law directs ADWR to consider remediated groundwater pumped pursuant to qualifying projects to be consistent with the Management Goal and Plan of the AMA. HB 2614 incorporates the Session Law provisions into A.R.S. Title 45, extends the exemption from 2025 to 2050, and adds a statutory provision that mandates remediated groundwater be put to beneficial use within the service area of the municipal provider where the groundwater was withdrawn, or pursuant to an existing grandfathered right.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/75389?SessionId=123
SB 1446: Groundwater replenishment reserves
In Brief: Modifies the statutory calculation for the CAGRD's Replenishment Reserve Target
Sponsor(s): Kerr
Last Action: HB 2041 signed by Governor 2/18
Description: This bill introduces clarifications to the calculation of CAGRD’s 100-year replenishment obligation for the purpose of calculating the replenishment reserve target. Existing statute could be read to require the CAGRD to calculate the replenishment reserve based on each AMA’s buildout obligation multiplied by 100. Modifies the statutory calculation of each AMA’s projected replenishment obligation to equal the cumulative projected obligation for each year following submission of the Plan of Operation. AMWUA supported this legislation in the 2020 session.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/75499?SessionId=123
SB 1386: Water; augmentation authority; special districts
In Brief: Adds statutory authorities for county water augmentation authorities and county improvement districts for water supply acquisition
Sponsor(s): Shope
Last Action: Held in Senate NREW Committee 2/17
Description: This measure has been introduced on behalf of the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority (CWAA). The bill would create a statutory framework for a CWAA to levy an assessment (similar to an ad valorem property tax) upon request of property owners for the purposes of financing water supply development projects that will ultimately allow that property to be eligible for a Certificate of Assured Water Supply. SB 1386 also adds to the existing statutory authorities of County Improvement Districts the ability to acquire water supplies and develop infrastructure for water conveyance, reuse, or replenishment. Finally, this bill would require ADWR to transfer a minimum of $200,000 per year of groundwater withdrawal fee monies to the Pinal CWAA. Currently, statute specifies that ADWR may transfer up to $200,000 by annual determination.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/75416?SessionId=123
SB 1474: Watershed health; use; survey
In Brief: Establishes statutory classification for ecological water, directs ADWR to survey the condition of Arizona watersheds.
Sponsor(s): Engel
Last Action: Assigned to Senate NREW Committee 1/28. Did not receive a hearing.
Description: This bill directs ADWR to conduct a triennial assessment of watershed health throughout Arizona and to establish by 2024 a set of recommendations for how much “ecological water” is needed to sustain ecosystems, wildlife habitat, or communities that may rely on a watershed. The bill also provides for the appropriation of water for “watershed health uses,” defined as the conservation of water within a natural watercourse that supports the health of an individual watershed. Current statutes allow for the appropriation and beneficial use of water instream for fish, wildlife, and recreation purposes but not explicitly for the benefit of the watershed or ecosystem as a whole.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/75557?SessionId=123
Arizona House
HB 2035: Appropriation; Arizona water protection fund
In Brief: Would appropriate $1 million from the state general fund for the Arizona Water Protection Fund.
Sponsor(s): Griffin
Last Action: Passed Senate Approps 3/2
Description: This bill would appropriate $1 million from the state general fund in Fiscal Year 2021-22 to the Arizona Water Protection Fund. The Arizona Water Protection Fund is a state-run program administered by ADWR that funds projects to protect and enhance water quality and quantity in Arizona's rivers, streams, and riparian areas. Some of these efforts include revegetation, erosion control, channel stabilization, research, and water conservation. AMWUA has supported this legislation in previous years.
HB 2041: Groundwater replenishment reserves
In Brief: Modifies the statutory calculation for the CAGRD's Replenishment Reserve Target
Sponsor(s): Griffin
Last Action: Signed by Governor 2/18
Description: This bill introduces clarifications to the calculation of CAGRD’s 100-year replenishment obligation for the purpose of calculating the replenishment reserve target. Existing statute could be read to require the CAGRD to calculate the replenishment reserve based on each AMA’s buildout obligation multiplied by 100. Modifies the statutory calculation of each AMA’s projected replenishment obligation to equal the cumulative projected obligation for each year following submission of the Plan of Operation. AMWUA supported this legislation in the 2020 session.
HB 2056: Water conservation notice; no forfeiture
In Brief: Protects a water right holder from forfeiture through nonuse if they file a 'water conservation plan' with ADWR
Sponsor(s): Griffin
Last Action: Signed by Governor 2/18
Description: Allows a water right holder to file a “Water Conservation Plan” with ADWR. Upon filing a plan that outlines water conservation measures that are planned or will be implemented, the water rights included in that notice would be shielded from a claim of abandonment or forfeiture. The Plan can be extended by 10-years, indefinitely. Includes a legislative intent clause specifying that the Legislature intends the provisions to only apply prospectively.
HB 2074: Water banking; storage credits; subcontractors
In Brief: Allows the Arizona Water Banking Authority to directly distribute long-term storage credits to M&I Subcontractors
Sponsor(s): Pratt
Last Action: Assigned to House NREW Committee 1/14. Did not receive a hearing.
Description: For nearly three decades the Arizona Water Banking Authority (AWBA) has stored Colorado River water underground to supplement the water supplies of Central Arizona Project (CAP) Municipal & Industrial (M&I) subcontractors. To access the stored water in times of shortage, current statutes require that the AWBA must first transfer the LTSC to CAP for recovery. This bill would provide the AWBA with the option to distribute LTSC directly to M&I subcontractors. The concept of direct distribution is an outcome of a stakeholder effort to plan for the recovery of water supplies stored by the AWBA. This legislative change would provide flexibility and simplicity for recovery of AWBA credits and reduces the cost of recovery to end users.
HB 2078: Groundwater; waterlogged area exemption; date
In Brief: Extends exemptions associated with the Buckeye Waterlogged Area (BWLA) through 2034.
Sponsor(s): Dunn
Last Action: Signed by Governor 2/5
Description: The Buckeye Waterlogged Area (BWLA) was established by the Legislature in 1988, covering an area surrounding the Gila River from confluence with the Salt River west to Gillespie Dam, which includes part of Avondale and Goodyear. Within the BWLA, farmlands are exempt from water duties, certain irrigation districts are exempt from conservation requirements, and entities pumping groundwater are not required to pay withdrawal fees. Statute requires that ADWR review the area’s hydrologic conditions and make a recommendation to the Governor and Legislature on whether or not the exemptions should continue. ADWR published its findings in December 2019 and recommended that the BWLA continue through 2034. This bill would extend the BWLA exemptions through 2034, as recommended by ADWR.
HB 2203: Well drilling; groundwater basins
In Brief: Establishes a well drilling moratorium in the Upper San Pedro and Verde Valley Subbasins
Sponsor(s): Cano
Last Action: Assigned to House NREW Committee 1/20. Did not receive a hearing.
Description: Establishes a well drilling moratorium that prevents new wells in the Upper San Pedro and Verde Valley groundwater subbasins until the conclusion of the General Stream Adjudication unless a well is a replacement well or does not pump subflow.
HB 2204: Wells; permits; spacing rules
In Brief: Mandates water use metering and reporting for groundwater wells throughout the state
Sponsor(s): Cano
Last Action: Assigned to House NREW Committee 1/20. Did not receive a hearing.
Description: Requires that ADWR adopt rules governing the location of new and replacement wells >35 gpm located outside of AMAs, within groundwater basins that the Director determines to be experiencing declining groundwater levels.
HB 2205: WQARF; appropriation
In Brief: Appropriates $15 million from the general fund to the Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF).
Sponsor(s): Cano
Last Action: Assigned to House NREW Committee 1/20
Description: Appropriates $20 million from the general fund in FY2021-22 to the Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund. WQARF is a state-sponsored program established by the Legislature and administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to clean up hazardous soil and groundwater contamination.
HB 2206: Subsequent irrigation non-expansion areas; procedures
In Brief: Modifies the procedures for determination of a new Irrigation Non-Expansion Area (INA)
Sponsor(s): Cano
Last Action: Assigned to House NREW Committee 1/20
Description: This measure introduces a number of modifications to the procedures for establishment of new irrigation non-expansion areas (INA). This bill would allow ADWR to consider projected rates of groundwater withdrawal as part of the determination of a new INA. The bill also clarifies which entities are eligible to petition the State to create a new INA, and would mandate that petitioners submit a groundwater model and hydrologic assessment using methodology approved by the ADWR Director. This bill mirrors the suggested statutory changes presented by ADWR in the summer of 2017 during the Governor’s Water Discussions.
HB 2209: Groundwater pumping; measuring; reporting
In Brief: Mandates water use metering and reporting for nonexempt groundwater wells throughout the state
Sponsor(s): Cano
Last Action: Assigned to House NREW Committee 1/20. Did not receive a hearing.
Description: Requires monitoring and annual reporting for nonexempt groundwater wells throughout the state. Water users who irrigate 10 or fewer acres that are not part of a larger farming operation, or water users who pump <10 acre-feet per year for non-irrigation use are exempted from this requirement.
HB 2247: Forest products; processing; tax credit
In Brief: Establishes a forest industry tax credit intended to promote forest thinning and watershed health
Sponsor(s): Griffin
Last Action: Amended with unrelated strike-everything amendment 3/24
Description: This legislation would establish a new tax credit for qualifying entities in the forest product industry that participate in the Arizona Commerce Authority’s “Healthy Forest Enterprise Incentive Program.” The tax credit is determined by the volume qualifying forest products that the business processes annually. This legislation, developed by SRP, is intended to incentivize increased forest thinning to improve watershed conditions. The tax credit offered in this legislation expires after 10 years.
HB 2286: Water efficient plumbing fixtures
In Brief: Updates to Arizona's plumbing code to require water efficient fixtures.
Sponsor(s): Lieberman
Last Action: Did not receive a committee hearing.
Description: Arizona adopted water-efficiency standards for indoor plumbing fixtures in 1992 which have since been superseded by various federal laws and requirements. This bill would update Arizona’s water-efficiency standards to align with criteria established by the WaterSense Program, a public-private partnership between industry, utilities, and regulators.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/74744?SessionId=123
HB 2330: Environmental quality programs; terminations; repeal
In Brief: Removes statutory termination dates for multiple ADEQ programs.
Sponsor(s): Griffin
Last Action: SB 1370 was signed on 3/18. This bill is now being utilized as a striker vehicle
Description: This bill proposes to remove the statutory termination dates for multiple programs administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Current statutes include sunset dates for these individual programs, separate from ADEQ’s sunset review as an entire agency. Removing the termination dates for these programs would align their sunset reviews with the ADEQ sunset review.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/74812?SessionId=123
HB 2336: Assured water supply; subdivisions
In Brief: Modifies assured water supply statutes for Designated Water Providers in the Pinal AMA and material plat changes for Certificates of AWS.
Sponsor(s): Pratt
Last Action: Substituted for SB 1274; Signed by Governor 2/12
Description: This measure has been introduced on behalf of the Pinal AMA Stakeholder Group, entities working to address groundwater physical availability issues in the Pinal AMA that has caused ADWR to hold issuing new Assured Water Supply Certificates and Designations. HB 2336 and SB 1274 would amend statute to allow a water provider only in the Pinal AMA to Modify their most recent Designation of Assured Water Supply (AWS) without having to re-demonstrate the physical availability of groundwater as long as the Provider is not seeking to increase its physical availability volume. This bill codifies ADWR’s existing policies related to determining the “Area of Impact” for water stored underground that will be included in an AWS application. The bill also changes the AWS statutes to allow developers to change the land use type or increase the number of housing units on a subdivision plat associated with existing Certificates of AWS, provided that the overall water use does not increase. Current regulations require developers to apply for a new Certificate if a plat is revised and housing units are increased by 10% or more. AMWUA has worked with the proponents of this bill to incorporate technical amendments related to the AWS Program as well as to secure a provision that would ensure ADWR can revise its Rules across all AMAs to make conforming changes.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/74836?SessionId=123
HB 2388: Water supply development fund
In Brief: Modifies the criteria for entities that are eligible to apply for loans or grants from the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund
Sponsor(s): Griffin
Last Action: Signed by Governor 4/20
Description: The Water Supply Development Revolving fund was established in 2007 and was intended to assist rural water providers acquire water supplies through loans and grants. Currently statutory criteria exist that limit the disbursements from the fund to only water providers that are located within an AMA, or a jurisdiction that has voluntarily adopted adequate water supply provisions. This bill would negate those statutory criteria and make the monies available to any water provider outside of Maricopa County. HB 2388 also expands the definition of “water provider” to include additional private water companies and Natural Resource Conservation Districts. Passive stormwater recharge projects are added to the approved statutory list of water supply development projects. An amendment passed on March 11th removed a proposed $50 million appropriation.
HB 2390: Law clinic; stream adjudications; appropriation
In Brief: Provides $500,000 for local universities to assist claimants in the General Stream Adjudication
Sponsor(s): Griffin & Bowers
Last Action: Held in House NREW Committee 1/26
Description: This bill allows local Arizona Universities to represent claimants who meet certain low-income requirements in the General Stream Adjudications. Appropriates $500,000 to the University of Arizona to establish a law clinic for this purpose.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/74927?SessionId=123
HB 2441: Water; substitute acreage
In Brief: Allows an irrigator to retire irrigated acres and apply that water right to new, substitute lands.
Sponsor(s): Griffin
Last Action: Signed by Governor 3/23
Description: Adds statutory provisions that would allow an irrigator to retire irrigated acres and apply that water right to new, “substitute” lands. The substitute lands must be contiguous to the retired acres and part of the same farming unit. The irrigator must notify ADWR that the retired acres were damaged by floodwaters or, report that a “condition” (including soil quality or the shape of the farmland) exists that is limiting the efficient irrigation of those original acres and that the substitution of new land will facilitate more efficient water use.
HB 2456: Colorado River fourth priority water
In Brief: Prohibits transfers of P4 Colorado River water from Colorado River Communities
Sponsor(s): Cobb & 5 others
Last Action: HB 2456 was never assigned to a committee.
Description: This bill would add statutory language prohibiting the transfer of any Priority 4 (P4) Colorado River water to non-“Colorado river communities.”
HB 2576: Water rights; general adjudications; funding
In Brief: Establishes a fund for the purpose of providing resources to both ADWR and the Superior Court for the General Stream Adjudication
Sponsor(s): Griffin
Last Action: Passed House NREW Committee 2/17
Description: This bill establishes the General Adjudication Personnel and Support Fund. Monies in the Fund can be used to provide additional full-time staff, equipment, or services for the Adjudication proceedings for both the Court and ADWR. Prior to any monies being allocated from the Fund, ADWR or the Supreme Court must prepare an expenditure plan for review by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. The bill appropriates nearly $400,000 for the Court to immediately utilize and $2 million for the general purposes of the Fund.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/75222?Sessionid=123
HB 2595: Subsequent irrigation non-expansion areas; procedures
In Brief: Modifies the procedures for determination of a new Irrigation Non-Expansion Area (INA)
Sponsor(s): Cobb
Last Action: Assigned to House NREW Committee 2/3
Description: This measure introduces a number of modifications to the procedures for establishment of new irrigation non-expansion areas (INA). This bill would allow ADWR to consider projected rates of groundwater withdrawal as part of the determination of a new INA. The bill also clarifies which entities are eligible to petition the State to create a new INA, and would mandate that petitioners submit a groundwater model and hydrologic assessment using methodology approved by the ADWR Director. This bill mirrors the suggested statutory changes presented by ADWR in the summer of 2017 during the Governor’s Water Discussions. HB 2595 is identical to HB 2206.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/75242?SessionId=123
HB 2614: Remediated water; groundwater; use
In Brief: Extends statutory incentive for remediation of contaminated groundwater
Sponsor(s): Osborne & 5 others
Last Action: Assigned to House NREW 1/28. Did not receive a hearing.
Description: In 1997 the Arizona legislature enacted reform measures to the WQARF Program, including creation of incentives for the use of remediated groundwater to facilitate the cleanup of groundwater contamination. Session Law directs ADWR to consider remediated groundwater pumped pursuant to qualifying projects to be consistent with the Management Goal and Plan of the AMA. HB 2614 incorporates the Session Law provisions into A.R.S. Title 45, extends the exemption from 2025 to 2050, and adds a statutory provision that mandates remediated groundwater be put to beneficial use within the service area of the municipal provider where the groundwater was withdrawn, or pursuant to an existing grandfathered right.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/75285?SessionId=123
HB 2679: Water; rural management areas
In Brief: Allows a County Board of Supervisors to establish a Rural Management Area to prescribe water management practices and other regulations.
Sponsor(s): Cobb
Last Action: Referred to House NREW Committee 2/3. Did not receive a hearing.
Description: For counties bordering the Colorado River, this bill would allow the County Board of Supervisors to establish a new type of water management jurisdiction called a Rural Management Area if a particular groundwater basin or subbasin meet certain criteria, generally related to groundwater depletion. For any Rural Management Area that is formed, a five-person advisory council shall be appointed by the Governor, and ADWR shall appoint a Director of the area. Rural Management Areas may develop a Management Goal, Management Plan, and voluntary or mandatory best management practices designed to reduce groundwater withdrawals in the area. The proposed Management Plan must be submitted for approval by ADWR.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/75344?SessionId=123
HB 2691: ADEQ; water quality programs; WOTUS
In Brief: Directs ADEQ to set water quality standards for certain surface waters not classified as Waters of the United States (WOTUS)
Sponsor(s): Griffin
Last Action: Signed by Governor 5/5
Description: This bill authorizes ADEQ to adopt water quality standards for surface waters in Arizona that are not classified as “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) pursuant to the Clean Water Act. The statutory amendments direct ADEQ to establish a list of “protected surface waters” and outlines specific waterbodies that must be listed, as well as criteria and procedures for adding or removing waterbodies to the list of protected surface waters. AMWUA has engaged with ADEQ throughout the formation of this legislation as a member of the Department’s Stakeholder Advisory Group. AMWUA staff is recommending adoption of a Monitor position on this bill, in recognition that each member city has specific comments and concerns with the legislation.
HB 2740: Watershed health; use; survey
In Brief: Establishes statutory classification for ecological water, directs ADWR to survey the condition of Arizona watersheds.
Sponsor(s): Dalessandro
Last Action: Assigned to House NREW Committee 2/2. Did not receive a hearing.
Description: This bill directs ADWR to conduct a triennial assessment of watershed health throughout Arizona and to establish by 2024 a set of recommendations for how much “ecological water” is needed to sustain ecosystems, wildlife habitat, or communities that may rely on a watershed. The bill also provides for the appropriation of water for “watershed health uses,” defined as the conservation of water within a natural watercourse that supports the health of an individual watershed. Current statutes allow for the appropriation and beneficial use of water instream for fish, wildlife, and recreation purposes but not explicitly for the benefit of the watershed or ecosystem as a whole.
Link: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/75578?SessionId=123
HB 2778: Stream adjudications; cooperative extension; appropriation
In Brief: Provides $500,000 for University of Arizona to assist claimants in the General Stream Adjudication
Sponsor(s): Griffin & Bowers
Last Action: Passed Senate Appropriations Committee 3/16
Description: This bill (along with HB 2390 and HB 2594) allows local Arizona Universities to represent claimants who meet certain low-income requirements in the General Stream Adjudications. HB 2778 was introduced with slightly differing language, directing the $500,000 to the University of Arizona’s cooperative extension, rather than for the establishment of a new UA law clinic.
The AMWUA Press Room
Media ContactLatest News
AZ Central
Will the Drought Contingency Plan be enough to save Lake Mead? Maybe - for nowOpinion: It's too soon to tinker with key parts of the Colorado River Compact. For now, our best bet may be to temporarily extend the Drought Contingency Plan.
AZ Central
We are just 5 feet away from the possibility of deeper water cuts to save Lake MeadOpinion: States must agree on additional actions to prop up Lake Mead when the forecast hits 1,030 feet. We're already just 5 feet away from that mark.
Bloomberg
Can the Southwest Survive With Less Water?Sometime next month, for the first time, the federal government is likely to declare a water shortage at Lake Mead.
AZ Central
At shrinking Lake Mead, a new coalition says status quo on Colorado River is failingWith the concrete towers of Hoover Dam in the background and the depleted waters of the nation’s largest reservoir below, an unlikely group of allies — conservation activists,...
The Guardian
Severe drought threatens Hoover dam reservoir – and water for US westThe wellspring of Lake Mead created by the dam’s blocking of the Colorado River has plummeted to an historic low as states in the west face hefty cuts in their water supplies.
USBR Newsroom
Reclamation releases additional 5-year projections to support drought response planning efforts in the Colorado River BasinAs one element of the ongoing implementation of the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans for the Colorado River Basin, the Bureau of Reclamation today released additional 5-year projections on the...
SRP Newsroom
SRP Reservoirs Prepared for Drought as 2021 Runoff Season Ends at Second Driest on RecordDespite experiencing the second driest runoff season on record, Salt River Project reservoirs are prepared to meet the Valley’s demand for water this year and into the future. This...
AZ Central
Lawmakers missed a $200 million opportunity to slow Arizona's shrinking water supplyOpinion: You'd think that spending $200 million on water would make a huge difference for Arizona. But, sadly, it probably won't.
AZ Central
Is it time to start thinking about the worst-case scenario on Lake Mead?Opinion: Are we thinking radically enough about what Lake Mead and the larger Colorado River basin are up against?
AZ Capitol Times
$200M for water shortages likely to passThe Legislature is set to pass a $200 million proposal to fund areas without a proper water supply. The money would help meet long-term demands and financially assist in the creation...
