AZ HB2571

Allows persons developing stormwater infrastructure in active management areas to earn physical availability credits equal to the volume of increased groundwater recharge projected over 100 years.

Credits can be used to satisfy physical availability requirements for assured water supply under existing rules.

Director must adopt rules by January 1, 2026 governing eligible infrastructure including stormwater detention basins, permeable roadways and sidewalks, and other public infrastructure that facilitates rainwater or stormwater recharge.

Rules must establish application timelines, certification procedures, eligibility criteria, and formulas for quantifying increased recharge and corresponding credits over the infrastructure's useful life.

Persons applying for credits are exempted from groundwater pumping permit requirements; "person" includes natural persons, corporations, municipalities, conservation districts, water improvement districts, and county flood control districts.