AZ HB2249

Requires the Department of Environmental Quality director to establish a water quality program to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of state waters.

Adds "ecological services" as a factor for the director to consider when adopting water quality standards for non-WOTUS (Waters of the United States) protected surface waters and determining whether to add waters to the protected surface waters list.

Defines "ecological services" as the many and varied benefits to humans provided by the natural environment and from healthy ecosystems.

Expands the protected surface waters list to include ephemeral waters that are tributaries to specified rivers and waters with cultural or religious importance to federally recognized Indian tribes in Arizona.

Changes permit program requirements for non-WOTUS protected surface waters to allow the director to consider best management practices and ecological factors rather than applying certain federal Clean Water Act provisions.