HB2127

THE CONTEXT: The Groundwater Management Code (Code), enacted in 1980, established the statutory framework to regulate and control the use of groundwater. As part of the management framework, the Code designated five AMAs: Phoenix, Pinal, Prescott, Tucson and Santa Cruz (A.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would allow effluent, produced by a proposed subdivision in the Phoenix, Pinal and Tucson AMAs, to be included as part of demonstrating legal and physical availability of water for an assured water supply application if the effluent will be: a) used directly to meet water demands associated with the subdivision; or b) recharged in the subbasin where the subdivision will be located and contains technical and conforming changes.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to give Arizonans and public officials a defined option for assured water supply certificate under state law. It would allow effluent, produced by a proposed subdivision in the Phoenix, Pinal and Tucson AMAs, to be included as part of demonstrating legal and physical availability of water for an assured water supply application if the effluent will be: a) used directly to meet water demands associated with the subdivision; or b) recharged in the subbasin where the subdivision will be located, and would also contains technical and conforming changes, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.