HB2727 Summary

• Allows water authorities to be formed in counties with 90,000-120,000 population or in counties containing the Harquahala irrigation non-expansion area that lack active management areas.

• Permits eligible entities in the Harquahala irrigation non-expansion area (with county board of supervisors participation) to form water authorities and acquire groundwater rights in addition to Colorado River water.

• Exempts authorities in Harquahala irrigation non-expansion areas from certain requirements including the 18,500 acre-feet initial water apportionment scheme and specific fund allocation rules.

• Allows authorities to contract for groundwater from the Harquahala irrigation non-expansion area and directs transportation fees to grant, water acquisition, or operating funds as determined by the board.

• Modifies board officer selection requirements for authorities in Harquahala irrigation non-expansion areas to allow flexibility in selecting officers as needed.