HB2063

THE CONTEXT: The Groundwater Management Code (Code) was enacted in 1980 and established the statutory framework to regulate and control the use of groundwater. Accordingly, ADWR regulates all groundwater wells in Arizona.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would state an exempt well that is registered with ADWR may withdraw up to 35 gallons per minute, require the ADWR Director to issue a Certificate to each groundwater user that registers the groundwater user's exempt well with ADWR, and state the Certificate allows the groundwater user to pump not more than 35 gallons per minute.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to tailor the rule for exempt wells to a defined circumstance instead of applying one broad standard. It would state an exempt well that is registered with ADWR may withdraw up to 35 gallons per minute, and would also require the ADWR Director to issue a Certificate to each groundwater user that registers the groundwater user's exempt well with ADWR, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.