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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
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HB 2263: Colorado River water; replenishment; restriction
Sponsor: Representative Griffin, LD 19
Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Overview
Limits a person in an active management area (AMA) from using or conveying diverted Colorado River water for groundwater replenishment unless the water is delivered to certain permitted groundwater savings facilities.
History
The Central Arizona Project was established on September 30, 1968 by the Colorado River Basin Project Act (USPL 1967, Chapter 57, page 380). The Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD), a special taxing district, was established for the purposes of:
1) contracting with the U.S. Secretary of Interior for delivery of Arizona’s CAP water;
2) repaying the federal government for the state’s share of CAP construction costs; and
3) operation and maintenance of the CAP aqueduct (A.R.S. Title 48, Chapter 22).
In 1993, the Legislature expanded CAWCD’s authority to include groundwater replenishment within the Phoenix, Pinal and Tucson Active Management Areas (AMAs) (A.R.S. Title 48, Chapter 22, Article 4). The replenishment authority of the CAWCD is referred to as the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD). Membership in the CAGRD provides a method for landowners and water providers to demonstrate consistency with AMA management goals and the Assured Water Supply (AWS) rules. Membership is voluntary and carries certain financial responsibilities. CAGRD is responsible for replenishing the amount of groundwater that exceeds pumping limitations that have been established by AWS rules. Replenishment may occur through operation of underground storage facilities or groundwater savings facilities. CAGRD is required to establish a replenishment reserve for both current and future member service areas and member lands (Laws 1993, Chapter 200).
Provisions
1. States that, notwithstanding any other law, a person may only use or convey Colorado River water that is diverted from the main stem of the Colorado River for purposes of replenishment in an AMA if the water is delivered to a permitted facility owned by a multi-county water conservation district or a permitted groundwater savings facility. (Sec. 1)
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Initials CW HB 2263
2/15/2026 Page 0 Natural Resources, Energy & Water
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