SB 1480 Summary

• Adds "ecological water needs" and "watershed health uses" to Arizona water law definitions, defining ecological water needs as water sufficient to sustain freshwater ecosystems, riparian areas, and dependent wildlife habitats and human livelihoods.

• Establishes watershed health uses as a permitted water appropriation purpose alongside existing uses like domestic, municipal, irrigation, and mining.

• Requires the Director of Water Resources to issue a triennial report assessing overall health of each watershed in Arizona based on hydrology, landscape condition, habitat condition, geomorphology, water quality, biological condition, and vulnerabilities.

• Directs the Director to establish standard measures using best available science to define ecological water needs and publish a preliminary survey of Arizona's water status by December 31, 2024, including watershed assessments, identification of insufficient water areas, and recommendations for statutory changes.

• Requires state agencies and political subdivisions to cooperate with the Director by providing relevant information for watershed surveys, with public notice and comment periods mandated during the survey process.