AZ HB2097

Limits groundwater withdrawal in irrigation non-expansion areas to a maximum of six acre-feet per acre of legally irrigated land per calendar year for non-exempt wells.

Authorizes the director to assess and collect a $150 penalty from any person who withdraws more than six acre-feet of groundwater per acre of legally irrigated land from a non-exempt well in any calendar year.

Allows landowners in subsequent irrigation non-expansion areas to permanently retire irrigated acres and substitute the same number of acres elsewhere in the same area, provided the substitution does not increase total groundwater withdrawals.

Permits construction of new non-exempt wells or replacement wells in new locations for irrigation use if the wells comply with director rules and do not lead to a net increase in groundwater withdrawals.

Exempts small-scale irrigators (ten or fewer contiguous acres, not part of integrated farming operations) from certain measuring and reporting requirements if they withdraw 2.5 or fewer acre-feet per acre annually.