groundwater replenishment; qualification; subbasins

HB 2549 modifies Arizona's groundwater replenishment rules for districts managing member lands and service areas. It requires districts to replenish groundwater in the same subbasin where water was withdrawn (starting December 31, 2029), directly affecting landowners in designated areas and groundwater districts. The bill also establishes a 10-year transition for municipal water providers with "assured water supply" designations to gradually assume replenishment obligations from member lands, beginning with 10% in the first year and increasing annually to 100% by year 10. This policy change aims to align replenishment locations with water usage and streamline responsibility between districts and municipal providers.