AZ SB1465

Adds "ecological water" and "watershed health uses" to Arizona water law definitions, defining ecological water as water sustaining freshwater ecosystems, riparian areas, wildlife habitat, and human livelihoods dependent on those ecosystems.

Requires the director of water resources to issue a biennial report (by December 31 of each even-numbered year) assessing watershed health based on hydrology, landscape condition, habitat condition, geomorphology, water quality, biological condition, and threats to watersheds.

Permits appropriation of unappropriated water for "watershed health uses" as a recognized beneficial use, allowing water to be conserved in natural watercourses and transferred for such purposes.

Establishes a one-time survey requirement for the director to publish a preliminary survey by December 31, 2021, identifying ecological water needs by watershed, assessing watershed health, and recommending necessary statutory changes; requires public notice, comment, and a final survey posted for six months.

Requires the director to establish standard measures using best available science to define ecological water needs and examine relationships between ecological water, groundwater withdrawal, and surface water appropriations; this section repeals September 30, 2022.