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Bill

HB 2567

replenishment obligation; one hundred-year period

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Gail Griffin

Arizona HB 2567 extends groundwater replenishment obligations to 100 years, requiring long-term water sustainability planning to address aquifer depletion.

House Second Reading
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Bill Summary · HB 2567

Legislative bill overview

HB 2567 establishes a 100-year replenishment obligation for water users in Arizona, likely relating to groundwater management and aquifer sustainability. The bill appears to modify existing water law requirements for how long entities must demonstrate they can replace water they withdraw from underground sources.

Why is this important

Arizona faces significant groundwater depletion, particularly in central regions, making long-term water sustainability a critical resource issue. Extending replenishment obligations to 100 years would require water users and providers to plan for much longer timeframes than current law, potentially affecting agricultural operations, municipalities, and industrial users who depend on groundwater.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic burden: Longer replenishment periods may increase compliance costs for water users, potentially raising water prices and affecting agricultural competitiveness
  • Feasibility questions: Creating 100-year water plans involves significant uncertainty about climate, precipitation, and alternative water sources, making compliance standards difficult to establish
  • Implementation details: The bill's language doesn't specify exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, or how existing water rights holders must adapt, creating regulatory ambiguity

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

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