AZ HB2630

Adds "ecological water" to Arizona water law definitions as water sufficient to sustain freshwater ecosystems and the wildlife habitat and human livelihoods that depend on those ecosystems.

Permits appropriation of unappropriated water for "ecological water" uses and allows transfer of water rights for ecological water purposes, placing these uses on equal footing with irrigation, municipal, and other traditional water uses.

Requires the director of water resources to establish standard measures using best available science to define ecological water needs and examine relationships between ecological water and groundwater and surface water in the state.

Mandates the director publish a preliminary survey by December 31, 2021 assessing watershed conditions, identifying areas not meeting ecological water requirements, recommending monitoring methods, and proposing necessary statutory changes.

Requires public notice and comment on the preliminary survey through website posting, direct notification, public hearing, and written responses to comments, with final survey posted online for at least six months; section repeals September 30, 2022.