Arizona House Bill HB2513

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/26

Caption

Subsequent irrigation; non-expansion areas; procedures

Impact

The implications of HB 2513 include stricter regulations on how and where groundwater can be utilized for irrigation. By requiring a numeric groundwater flow model and hydrologic report, the bill emphasizes the need for scientific assessment in determining the feasibility of irrigation practices in designated areas. This could lead to a significant change in agricultural practices within the affected counties, limiting the capacity of local irrigators to expand their operations beyond previously irrigated lands and possibly affecting crop yield and local economies reliant on agriculture.

Summary

House Bill 2513 introduces amendments to sections in the Arizona Revised Statutes pertaining to the state's groundwater management process. This bill aims to establish procedures for designating 'irrigation non-expansion areas' based on the available groundwater resource. It provides criteria for the director of water resources to determine if an area suffers from insufficient groundwater supply for irrigation, ensuring that land designated for irrigation does not exceed specified limits, thereby aiming to preserve the available water resources for future use.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve groundwater sustainability and prevent over-extraction, it could face opposition from local farmers and irrigation users who may find the limitations restrictive. The requirement for petitions supported by registered voters or irrigation users may also introduce challenges in mobilizing community support. As local governments and stakeholders assess the impact, there may be contentious debates about balancing agricultural needs against environmental sustainability and water conservation efforts.