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SB 1381

well drilling application; location; GPS.

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Rosanna Gabaldón and 2 co-sponsors

Arizona bill requiring well drilling permit applicants to provide GPS coordinates for proposed locations to improve groundwater tracking and regulatory oversight.

Senate Second Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1381

Legislative bill overview

SB 1381 modifies Arizona's well drilling application requirements by mandating that applicants provide GPS coordinates for proposed well locations instead of relying solely on traditional legal descriptions. The bill standardizes location documentation for groundwater extraction permits, aligning with modern surveying technology and digital record-keeping practices.

Why is this important

Accurate well location data is critical for groundwater management, aquifer monitoring, and preventing illegal or unauthorized drilling. GPS coordinates provide precise, verifiable location information that reduces administrative errors, speeds up permit processing, and improves the state's ability to track and regulate water extraction—particularly important in Arizona's arid climate where groundwater is a precious resource.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Applicants may face increased costs if required to hire surveyors to obtain precise GPS coordinates rather than using existing legal descriptions or less expensive methods
  • Transition period concerns: Wells already permitted or drilled using traditional legal descriptions may create compliance questions about whether retrofitting with GPS data is required
  • Technology equity: Small operators or rural applicants in areas with poor GPS accuracy (though rare) could face challenges, potentially disadvantaging smaller agricultural or private well operators

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

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