AZ HB2522

Adds "ecological water needs" and "watershed health uses" to Arizona water law definitions, with ecological water needs defined as water sufficient to sustain freshwater ecosystems, riparian areas, wildlife habitat, and human livelihoods that depend on those ecosystems.

Allows appropriation of unappropriated water for "watershed health uses" as a permitted beneficial use alongside existing uses like domestic, municipal, irrigation, and mining purposes.

Requires the Director of Water Resources to issue a watershed health assessment report every three years evaluating hydrology, landscape condition, habitat condition, geomorphology, water quality, biological condition, and threats to each watershed in the state.

Directs the Director to establish standard measures using best available science to define ecological water needs and publish a preliminary survey of waters statewide by December 31, 2025, including watershed health assessments and recommendations for statutory changes needed to support ecological water needs.

Requires public notice, comment periods of at least 60 days, and written responses to all public comments on the preliminary survey before posting the final survey online for at least six months.