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HB 2644

rainwater harvesting; appropriation

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Anna Abeytia and 15 co-sponsors

HB 2644 appropriates funds to encourage Arizona residential and commercial rainwater harvesting systems, reducing municipal water demand during severe drought conditions.

House Second Reading
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Bill Summary · HB 2644

Legislative bill overview

HB 2644 establishes a framework to incentivize and regulate rainwater harvesting in Arizona through financial appropriations and potentially revised permitting standards. The bill aims to increase water conservation by allowing property owners to capture and use rainwater on their premises, addressing Arizona's chronic water scarcity challenges.

Why is this important

Arizona faces severe water stress due to drought, climate change, and declining Colorado River allocations. Rainwater harvesting can reduce demand on traditional water supplies while providing property owners with an alternative water source for irrigation, outdoor use, and potentially indoor applications. This approach aligns with broader Western water conservation goals and may reduce strain on municipal water systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and taxpayer burden: The bill includes an appropriation (amount unspecified in available summaries), raising questions about public funding for private water infrastructure and whether costs are justified by environmental benefits
  • Regulatory complexity: Determining what rainwater harvesting systems are permitted, where they can be installed, and safety/quality standards could create implementation challenges and uneven adoption across jurisdictions
  • Water rights disputes: Rainwater harvesting intersects with Arizona's complex water law; concerns may arise about whether captured rainwater belongs to property owners or constitutes water rights held by senior users or water districts

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

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