Opinion ID: 1224377
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: On-farm water duties

Text: ¶ 41 Judge Bolton further concluded that § 45-256(A)(6), which establishes on-farm water duties based on elevation, violates separation of powers. Again, we agree. Depending on elevation, the statute mandates a finding of irrigation water quantities needed for particular crops and requires that such quantities be assigned in DWR's report to the master or court. The court must then incorporate those quantities in the decree unless rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence. § 45-256(A)(6). We recognize that DWR may recommend that the master adopt and apply uniform quantities, but it may do so only after investigating the irrigation uses. DWR's function is to provide technical assistance to the master and trial judge. See San Carlos II, 144 Ariz. at 279, 697 P.2d at 672. Assistance, however, does not include reporting statutorily mandated factual findings based on a statute rather than factual investigation. As Judge Bolton noted, the factual determination of quantities needed for certain crops and elevations must be judicially determined on the basis of evidence; it cannot be legislatively mandated. Thus, § 45-256(A)(6) violates separation of powers for the same reasons the de minimis provisions violate the doctrine. The Legislature cannot dictate to the master, court, or DWR the factual conclusions that underlie decrees.