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HB 2056

appropriation; brackish groundwater; feasibility study

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Gail Griffin and 1 co-sponsor

Arizona funds feasibility study on developing brackish groundwater as alternative water source to address state's water scarcity challenges.

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Bill Summary · HB 2056

Legislative bill overview

HB 2056 appropriates state funds to conduct a feasibility study on brackish groundwater resources in Arizona. The bill authorizes research into whether brackish (moderately salty) groundwater can be developed as an alternative water source for the state's growing water demands.

Why is this important

Arizona faces chronic water scarcity, particularly with declining Colorado River allocations. Brackish groundwater could potentially provide a supplemental water supply if treatment technologies prove viable and cost-effective, addressing long-term water security concerns for agriculture, municipalities, and industry.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost of treatment: Brackish water desalination and treatment is expensive; the study's findings may reveal prohibitive costs that make this impractical at scale
  • Environmental impact: Extracting groundwater and disposing of concentrated salt byproducts from treatment could affect aquifer levels and create disposal challenges
  • Geographic limitations: Brackish groundwater availability varies significantly by region; benefits may only apply to certain areas while costs are distributed statewide

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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