HB2609 Summary

• Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 45-554 regarding groundwater withdrawal from the Harquahala irrigation non-expansion area for transport to initial active management areas.

• Allows groundwater replenishment districts to lease wells from irrigation districts in the Harquahala area and withdraw groundwater up to 1,000 feet depth at rates not exceeding 10 feet per year groundwater table decline.

• Permits state and political subdivisions (including municipal providers) owning eligible land to withdraw groundwater up to 1,500 feet depth, limited to 6 acre-feet per year or 30 acre-feet per 10-year period unless director approves higher amounts with mitigation of damages.

• Allows state and political subdivisions owning 80% or more of eligible land to withdraw from depths between 1,000 and 1,200 feet if the director determines withdrawals will not unreasonably increase damage to surrounding residents or if entities provide damage mitigation.

• Wells leased under these provisions are exempt from well spacing requirements under section 45-559.