HB 2078 Summary

• Extends groundwater exemptions in the Phoenix active management area's waterlogged area from December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2034.

• Extends irrigation water duty exemptions and conservation requirement exemptions for the Arlington Canal Company, Buckeye Water Conservation and Drainage District, and St. John's Irrigation District through December 31, 2034.

• Extends the period for exemption from groundwater withdrawal fees and water quality assurance fees from through 2024 to through 2034 for irrigation and non-irrigation uses in the exempted area.

• Moves the deadline for the director's review and recommendation to the governor and legislature regarding extension of exemptions from November 15, 2019 to November 15, 2031.

• Extends the water duty exemption fee payment period from 1990-2025 to 1990-2035 and adjusts the date through which groundwater withdrawn from the exempted area is accounted for as surface water from January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2035.