HB577 - Alabama Water Conservation and Security Act

• Creates the Alabama Water Conservation and Security Act to coordinate water allocation and quality management, requiring the Office of Water Resources to facilitate cooperation between water allocation and water quality plans and decisions.

• Authorizes the Office of Water Resources to restrict water use certificate terms during declared water shortages or emergencies, and requires the Water Resources Commission to declare shortages when specific conditions exist.

• Establishes environmental flow protections requiring the state to preserve flows and levels in all water sources necessary to protect biological, chemical, and physical integrity, with the burden of proof on persons proposing water withdrawals to show they won't impair these flows.

• Provides conservation credits to water users who voluntarily implement conservation measures during water shortages or emergencies beyond required measures, with credits recognized in restriction schemes imposed by the Office of Water Resources.

• Repeals Section 9-10B-23 regarding Department of Environmental Management enforcement authority and takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.