Transfer of unused water-use permit gallons allowed, irrigators allowed to use excess water in drought conditions, and additional water use allowed for cover crops.

HF 2613 allows irrigators with water-use permits to transfer unused water gallons to other permit holders using the same water source, with the commissioner verifying compliance. It permits using "excess water" (unused gallons from the prior year) during declared drought conditions (D3/D4 on the U.S. Drought Monitor), provided use remains sustainable. The bill also adds 27,154 gallons per acre for irrigation of cover crops when needed, subject to sustainability checks by the commissioner. These provisions directly affect Minnesota irrigators managing groundwater or surface water permits.