Aquifer recharge flexibility

43 U.S.C. § 390g–9
in effect
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(a) Short titleThis section may be cited as the “Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act”. (b) DefinitionsIn this section:(1) BureauThe term “Bureau” means the Bureau of Reclamation. (2) CommissionerThe term “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Reclamation. (3) Eligible landThe term “eligible land”, with respect to a Reclamation project, means land that—(A) is authorized to receive water under State law; and (B) shares an aquifer with land located in the service area of the Reclamation project. (4) Net water storage benefitThe term “net water storage benefit” means an increase in the volume of water that is—(A) stored in 1 or more aquifers; and (B)(i) available for use within the authorized service area of a Reclamation project; or (ii) stored on a long-term basis to avoid or reduce groundwater overdraft. (5) Reclamation facilityThe term “Reclamation facility” means each of the infrastructure assets that are owned by the Bureau at a Reclamation project. (6) Reclamation projectThe term “Reclamation project” means any reclamation or irrigation project, including incidental features thereof, authorized by Federal reclamation law or the Act of August 11, 1939 (commonly known as the “Water Conservation and Utilization Act”) (53 Stat. 1418, chapter 717; 16 U.S.C. 590y et seq.), or constructed by the United States pursuant to such law, or in connection with which there is a repayment or water service contract executed by the United States pursuant to such law, or any project constructed by the Secretary through the Bureau for the reclamation of land. (c) Flexibility to allow greater aquifer recharge in Western States(1) Use of Reclamation facilities(A) In generalThe Commissioner may allow the use of excess capacity in Reclamation facilities for aquifer recharge of non-Reclamation project water, subject to applicable rates, charges, and public participation requirements, on the condition that—(i) the use—(I) shall not be implemented in a manner that is detrimental to—(aa) any power service or water contract for the Reclamation project; or (bb) any obligations for fish, wildlife, or water quality protection applicable to the Reclamation project; (II) shall be consistent with water quality guidelines for the Reclamation project; (III) shall comply with all applicable—(aa) Federal laws; and (bb) policies of the Bureau; and (IV) shall comply with all applicable State laws and policies; and (ii) the non-Federal party to an existing contract for water or water capacity in a Reclamation facility consents to the use of the Reclamation facility under this subsection. (B) Effect on existing contractsNothing in this subsection affects a contract—(i) in effect on December 27, 2020; and (ii) under which the use of excess capacity in a Bureau conveyance facility for carriage of non-Reclamation project water for aquifer recharge is allowed. (2) Aquifer recharge on eligible land(A) In generalSubject to subparagraphs (C) and (D), the Secretary may contract with a holder of a water service or repayment contract for a Reclamation project to allow the contractor, in accordance with applicable State laws and policies—(i) to directly use water available under the contract for aquifer recharge on eligible land; or (ii) to enter into an agreement with an individual or entity to transfer water available under the contract for aquifer recharge on eligible land. (B) Authorized project useThe use of a Reclamation facility for aquifer recharge under subparagraph (A) shall be considered an authorized use for the Reclamation project if requested by a holder of a water service or repayment contract for the Reclamation facility. (C) Modifications to contractsThe Secretary may contract with a holder of a water service or repayment contract for a Reclamation project under subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines that a new contract or contract amendment described in that subparagraph is—(i) necessary to allow for the use of water available under the contract for aquifer recharge under this subsection; (ii) in the best interest of the Reclamation project and the United States; and (iii) approved by the contractor that is responsible for repaying the cost of construction, operations, and maintenance of the facility that delivers the water under the contract. (D) RequirementsThe use of Reclamation facilities for the use or transfer of water for aquifer recharge under this subsection shall be subject to the requirements that—(i) the use or transfer shall not be implemented in a manner that materially impacts any power service or water contract for the Reclamation project; and (ii) before the use or transfer, the Secretary shall determine that the use or transfer—(I) results in a net water storage benefit for the Reclamation project; or (II) contributes to the recharge of an aquifer on eligible land; and (iii) the use or transfer complies with all applicable—(I) Federal laws and policies; and (II) interstate water compacts. (3) Conveyance for aquifer recharge purposesThe holder of a right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization to transport water across public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management may transport water for aquifer recharge purposes without requiring additional authorization from the Secretary where the use does not expand or modify the operation of the right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization across public land. (4) EffectNothing in this section creates, impairs, alters, or supersedes a Federal or State water right. (5) ExemptionThis section shall not apply to the State of California. (6) Advisory groupThe Secretary may participate in any State-led collaborative, multi-stakeholder advisory group created in any watershed the purpose of which is to monitor, review, and assess aquifer recharge activities.

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