AZ SB1595

Amends Arizona water quality law to require 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.

Modifies the protected surface waters list to include ephemeral waters (in addition to perennial and intermittent waters) used for drinking water, recreation, fish consumption, and waters of cultural or religious importance to federally recognized Indian tribes.

Changes language throughout the statute from "not more stringent than" to "less stringent than" when describing the director's authority to adopt rules, effectively preventing rules from being more protective than federal Clean Water Act requirements.

Adds definition of "ecological services" as the benefits to humans provided by the natural environment and healthy ecosystems, and requires the director to consider ecological services when determining whether to add non-WOTUS protected surface waters to the protected waters list.

Establishes a permit program for discharges of dredged or fill material into non-WOTUS protected surface waters and requires public notice and comment procedures for surface water quality standards for non-WOTUS protected surface waters.