long-term storage credits; shortage; prohibition

HB 2099 establishes a system for crediting stored water to long-term accounts for Arizona water rights holders. It sets specific rules for when stored water qualifies for credits (e.g., water unusable directly, stored during drought planning, or supporting Colorado River contingency efforts), with credit percentages ranging from 50% to 100% based on storage type, location, and purpose. The bill directly affects agricultural, municipal, and mineral extraction water users who store water in designated facilities like groundwater savings areas or managed underground storage. Key provisions include tiered credit rates for effluent storage near parks, restrictions on Colorado River water credits during shortages, and requirements for proving water use substitutions.