ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

House: NREW DPA 6-4-0-0

HB 2029: groundwater model; unpledged effluent

Sponsor: Representative Griffin, LD 19

House Engrossed

Requires the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to ensure that hydrologic modeling used to determine physical availability of groundwater includes effluent.

History

The Groundwater Code’s Assured and Adequate Water Supply Program requires a developer to provide information on a proposed subdivision’s water supplies to ADWR before the property can be marketed. Specific requirements apply, depending on whether the subdivision is inside or outside an AMA (A.R.S. § 45-576).

ADWR uses hydrologic models to simulate and predict groundwater conditions. Models incorporate various assumptions to make long-term management decisions and predict potential future impacts. An applicant for a determination of assured water supply is required to submit a hydrologic study, using a method of analysis approved by the Director of ADWR (A.C.C. R12-15-716(B)).

A groundwater model can include a variety of data relating to: 1) measurements of water levels over time; 2) physical availability of water; 3) natural recharge and discharge rates; 4) water level decline rates and trends; 5) projected water demand associated with the project; 6) the proposed source of supply; and 7) an evaluation of existing uses (ADWR Hydrologic Guidelines).

Effluent is water that has been collected in a sanitary sewer for subsequent treatment in a facility that is regulated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Such water remains effluent until it acquires the characteristics of groundwater or surface water (A.R.S. § 45-101).

Provisions

1. Requires the Director of ADWR to ensure that any hydrologic modeling used to determine physical availability of groundwater, used for the purpose of evaluating an assured water supply application, includes effluent that will be generated by a proposed subdivision, if the applicant:

a) obtains a commitment of wastewater service from the water or wastewater provider; and

b) demonstrates the infrastructure for reuse of the effluent will be funded by the water provider, wastewater provider or applicant. (Sec. 1)

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f) HB 2029

g) EB/KK Page 0 House Engrossed

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