HB2270

THE CONTEXT: ADWR uses hydrologic models to simulate and predict groundwater conditions. Models incorporate various assumptions to make long-term management decisions and predict potential future impacts.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would require ADWR to update the Department's groundwater modeling for AMAs. (Sec 1), require the Director to assume stormwater generated by the development of new or existing infrastructure will offset a portion of future groundwater use. (Sec 1), and mandate the Director to annually update the groundwater model for AMAs to reflect new natural, incidental or artificial stormwater recharge. (Sec 1).

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to turn the Legislature's standard for groundwater model into an enforceable rule. It would require ADWR to update the Department's groundwater modeling for AMAs. (Sec 1), and would also require the Director to assume stormwater generated by the development of new or existing infrastructure will offset a portion of future groundwater use. (Sec 1), rather than leave the current rule unchanged.