A bill for an act relating to beneficial use in the context of water allocation.

HF 2210 amends Iowa's water allocation law by removing the existing definition of "beneficial use" and requiring the Department of Natural Resources to determine beneficial use on a case-by-case basis when reviewing water permit applications. The bill mandates that permits for water diversion, storage, or withdrawal must be approved or denied within 90 days (or 30 days for renewals), with the department considering public health, safety, and conservation. It also requires all new permits issued after July 1, 1986, to include mandatory conservation practices and emergency measures. The bill directly affects water users applying for permits, shifting decision-making from categorical rules to individualized assessments by the department.