State engineer-surface and ground water study.

This bill requires the State Engineer to conduct a groundwater study at least once every ten (10) years in counties with designated groundwater control areas or where the state engineer has ordered corrective controls. The study shall assess the effects of corrective controls, the recharge of the aquifer compared to consumption from the aquifer and shall determine the impacts of future development on the aquifer. The study may include mapping, modeling and drilling of monitoring wells as part of the study.

Requires public reporting of study results and submission of a report to the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee within sixty (60) days of completion of the study. Appropriates funds to the State Engineer's Office for the initial study and requires the initial study to be completed not later than June 30, 2030. Comments: Requires a report to the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee not later than sixty (60) days after the study is completed.