Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act

To provide flexibility to allow greater aquifer recharge, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act 2. Flexibility to allow greater aquifer recharge in western states (a) Definitions In this Act: (1) Bureau The term Bureau (2) Commissioner The term Commissioner (3) Eligible land The term eligible land (A) is authorized to receive water under State law; and (B) shares a groundwater source with land located in the service area of the Reclamation project. (4) In-lieu recharge The term in-lieu recharge (5) Net water storage benefit The term net water storage benefit (A) stored in one or more aquifers; and (B) (i) available for use within the area served by a Reclamation project; or (ii) stored on a long-term basis to avoid or reduce groundwater overdraft. (6) Reclamation facility The term Reclamation facility (7) Reclamation project The term Reclamation project (8) Secretary The term Secretary (b) Use of bureau facilities (1) In general The Commissioner may allow the use of excess capacity in Bureau conveyance facilities for carriage of non-Reclamation project water for aquifer recharge, subject to applicable rates, charges, and public participation requirements, on the condition that— (A) the use— (i) shall not be implemented in a manner that is detrimental to— (I) any water or power service contract for the Reclamation project; or (II) any existing obligations for fish, wildlife, or water quality protection; (ii) shall be consistent with existing water quality guidelines for the Reclamation project; and (iii) shall comply with all applicable Federal and State law and policies of the Bureau of Reclamation; and (B) the non-Federal party to an existing contract for water or water capacity in a Reclamation facility shall consent to the use of the Reclamation facility under this subsection. (2) Effect on existing contracts Nothing in this subsection affects a contract— (A) in effect on the date of enactment of this Act; and (B) under which the use of excess capacity in a Bureau conveyance facility for carriage of non-Reclamation project water for aquifer recharge is allowed. (c) Aquifer recharge on eligible land (1) In general Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), a holder of a water service or repayment contract for a Reclamation project may— (A) directly use water available under the contract for aquifer recharge on eligible land; or (B) enter into an agreement with an individual or entity to transfer water available under the contract for aquifer recharge on eligible land. (2) Authorized project use Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the use of water for aquifer recharge under paragraph (1) shall be considered an authorized use for the Reclamation project under the reclamation laws. (3) Modifications to contracts The Secretary may modify an existing water contract described in paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that the modification is— (A) necessary to allow for the use of water available under the contract for aquifer recharge under this subsection; (B) in the best interest of the Reclamation project and the United States; and (C) approved by the association of water users that is responsible for repaying the cost of construction, operations, and maintenance of the facility that delivers the water under the contract. (4) Requirements The use or transfer of water for aquifer recharge under this subsection shall be subject to the requirements that— (A) the use or transfer shall not be implemented in a manner that is detrimental to any water or power service for the Reclamation project; and (B) before the use or transfer, the Secretary shall determine that the use or transfer— (i) (I) results in a net water storage benefit for the Reclamation project; or (II) contributes to the recharge of a depleted aquifer on eligible land; and (ii) complies with all applicable Federal and State laws and policies. (d) In-Lieu recharge To the extent consistent with State laws and policies, in-lieu recharge may be carried out under this Act. (e) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the Secretary should encourage the use of public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management for aquifer recharge, where appropriate, consistent with— (A) the existing grant of right-of-way; (B) as applicable, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1701 (C) applicable land and resource management plans; and (2) the Secretary should consider whether aquifer recharge may be appropriate in certain areas of critical environmental concern, if aquifer recharge— (A) would enhance the values for which the area of critical environmental concern has been designated; and (B) is consistent with the management requirements for the area of critical environmental concern. (f) Conveyance for aquifer recharge purposes The holder of a right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization to transport water across public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management is authorized to transport water for aquifer recharge purposes, including outside of the regular period of use, without requiring additional authorization from the Secretary where the use does not expand or interfere with the operation of the right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization across public land. (g) Exemption This Act shall not apply to the State of California.

Summary: Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act This bill authorizes the use of certain Bureau of Reclamation facilities and federal land, excluding facilities and land in California, to convey water to recharge certain aquifers.