AZ HB2476

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 45-141 to clarify that beneficial use of water appropriated on less than all appurtenant land does not result in abandonment or forfeiture of the water right.

Repeals sections 45-188 and 45-189, Arizona Revised Statutes, which previously established a five-year nonuse forfeiture provision for water rights.

Eliminates the statutory requirement that water rights are forfeited when owners cease or fail to use appropriated water for five successive years, except for water rights initiated before June 12, 1919.

Specifies that water exchange arrangements and substitutions (such as exchanging surface water for groundwater, effluent, or Colorado River water) do not constitute abandonment or forfeiture of surface water rights.

Clarifies that underground water storage for future beneficial use does not constitute abandonment or forfeiture of water rights.