Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify existing water usage laws to allow greater flexibility for water permit holders, particularly those involved in agriculture, during drought conditions and for planting cover crops. It also provides a mechanism for transferring unused water allocations between permit holders.

Main Provisions

• Transfer of Water Permits: The bill allows water use permits to be transferred to new property owners without imposing new conditions, reducing the permit's term, or requiring additional testing, as long as the permit conditions are met.

• Transfer of Unused Water: Permit holders can transfer unused water gallons to other permit holders, but only if both withdraw from the same water source. No financial transactions or considerations can be involved in this transfer.

• Water Use During Drought Conditions: Under local extreme drought conditions, permit holders are permitted to use excess water, which is defined as the amount of water not used from their allocation in the previous year.

• Increased Water Use for Cover Crops: Permit holders who intend to plant cover crops are allowed to use an additional 27,154 gallons per acre above their permitted amount if the commissioner deems this use sustainable.

Significant Changes

• Transfer Without New Conditions: The bill ensures that water use permits can be transferred to new owners without changes, provided all current conditions are met.

• Facilitation of Unused Water Transfer: Establishes a system for transferring unused irrigation water, fostering cooperation among farmers and optimizing water use.

• Support for Drought Management: Allows for increased water use flexibility to address the needs of agriculture during severe drought periods, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Relevant Terms

• Water use permits
• Irrigation
• Drought conditions
• Cover crops
• Aquifer
• Surface water
• Sustainable water use