AZ SB1667

Authorizes county boards of supervisors outside active management areas to designate groundwater basins or subbasins as rural management areas if conditions exist such as significant increases in water use, physical signs of overpumping, groundwater depletion within 100 years, or declining surface water base flows.

Requires counties to follow a multi-step process including notice, at least 30 days of public comment, and at least two public hearings before designating a rural management area by majority vote.

Establishes a five-member rural management area advisory council appointed by the county board of supervisors to develop management plans, identify best management practices, and work toward stabilization of groundwater levels and sustained surface water flows.

Allows management plans to include voluntary or mandatory conservation programs, groundwater metering and monitoring, aquifer recharge programs, pumping limitations, and moratoriums on new wells, subject to director approval.

Creates a rural management area fund for legislative appropriations and grants, with counties required to provide 50 percent matching funds to receive assistance for implementing management measures.