aquifer management; conservation; priority

SB 1388 amends Arizona's water management law to expand the director's authority for groundwater conservation. It explicitly authorizes the director to develop conservation programs, acquire water rights and property, and coordinate with agencies like the Department of Environmental Quality on water planning and data sharing. The bill directly affects groundwater users, water management authorities, and state agencies responsible for implementing Arizona's water policies. Key provisions include formalizing the director's role in managing water quantity and quality, acquiring water rights through contracts, and maintaining public water data repositories.