AZ HB2542

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 45-852.01 to modify long-term storage credit requirements for groundwater savings facilities.

Allows water stored in a groundwater savings facility to receive long-term storage credits if the director determines the storage provides a water management benefit to the active management area, in addition to existing requirements that water cannot reasonably be used directly.

Requires that for groundwater savings facilities using in lieu water, the storer must prove 100 percent of the water was used on a gallon-for-gallon substitute basis for groundwater, or credits are limited to only the percentage proven to meet this requirement.

Maintains existing credit percentages: 95 percent for most stored water, 50-95 percent for effluent depending on facility designation, and 100 percent for certain categories including effluent and water from outside the active management area.

Designates this act as an emergency measure operative immediately upon enactment.