AL SB255

Authorizes non-riparian landowners (those whose land is not contiguous to a body of water) to use surface water from the Alabama River, Tennessee River, and Tombigbee River for agricultural irrigation, but only on portions where average flows exceed 8,000 cubic feet per second.

Requires non-riparian water users to file a declaration of beneficial use, monitor water use with a gage or meter, and report annual water use to the Office of Water Resources.

Requires Water Resources Commission to adopt rules by January 1 after the effective date, including a requirement that non-riparian landowners obtain certification from a riparian landowner confirming right of access has been granted.

Caps aggregate non-riparian use at 5 percent of average basin flow; prohibits new water use certificates to non-riparians if this limit is exceeded until the Legislature enacts a new analysis supporting additional use.

Directs the Office of State Climatology and Office of Water Resources to develop drought restriction guidelines to protect stream flow and downstream riparians, with actual restrictions imposed only by the Governor's direction with input from the Drought Assessment Planning Team (ADAPT).