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HB 2151

surface water; irrigation; definition

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Gail Griffin

Arizona bill redefines surface water classification to clarify irrigation rights and water allocation in a drought-stressed state with competing agricultural, urban, and environmental claims.

Prefiled.
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Bill Summary · HB 2151

Legislative bill overview

HB 2151 modifies Arizona's legal definition of "surface water" and its relationship to irrigation rights and usage. The bill appears designed to clarify how surface water is classified and managed within the state's existing water law framework, though the specific definitional changes require access to the full bill text for complete analysis.

Why is this important

Arizona's water definitions directly impact water rights allocation, agricultural irrigation access, and competition between urban, rural, and environmental uses in a water-scarce state. Clear statutory definitions determine who can use what water and how disputes over water access are resolved, affecting billions in agricultural output and municipal water supplies.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural interests may seek broader surface water access rights, while urban municipalities may oppose definitions that reduce available water for growing cities
  • Environmental groups may contest definitions that could enable greater water extraction from rivers and streams, affecting ecological flows
  • Tribal nations with reserved water rights may oppose changes that affect their legal claims to surface water resources
  • The interaction between surface water definitions and Colorado River Compact obligations creates interstate legal complexity that could trigger federal scrutiny

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

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