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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
underground water storage; permitting
Purpose
Modifies the period of time the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) must review applications regarding stored water permits.
Background
ADWR administers all Arizona water laws, except those related to water quality, and has jurisdiction over surface water, groundwater, wells, sewers, dams and reservoirs. ADWR aims to safeguard the health, safety and economic welfare of the public by protecting, conserving and enhancing Arizona's water supplies in a bold, thoughtful and innovative manner. The Director of ADWR is appointed by the Governor and must direct, operate and control ADWR (A.R.S. Title 45, Chapter 1).
A person looking to store water, groundwater or store water underground must first apply for and receive a permit from the Director of ADWR. Four types of stored water permits are available, including: 1) an underground storage facility permit that allows a person to operate a facility that stores water in an aquifer; 2) a groundwater savings facility permit that allows a person to deliver a renewable water supply to a recipient who agrees to replace groundwater pumping with in lieu water; 3) a water storage permit that allows a person to store water at an underground storage facility or a groundwater savings facility; and 4) a recovery well permit that allows a person to recover long-term storage credits or to recover stored water annually. For all types of applications, current statute requires the Director of ADWR to issue a decision and order within six months after the date of notice of an application (A.R.S. Title 45, Chapter 3.1).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Extends the period of review for the Director of ADWR, from 100 days to 180 days, for the consideration of an application for an underground storage facility permit.
2. Reduces the period of time, from 6 months to 100 days after the date of notice of an application, that the Director of ADWR must issue a decision regarding an application for stored water permits.
3. Makes technical changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
NREW 2/6/24 DP 10-0-0-0
3rd Read 2/20/24 56-1-2-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 5, 2024
RA/KP/slp