This bill amends the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify how existing water infrastructure, such as canals, ditches, and rights-of-way managed by the Bureau of Land Management, can be used for aquifer recharge, which is the process of replenishing underground water supplies. It allows holders of these existing rights-of-way, easements, or permits to use them for aquifer recharge on behalf of states, tribes, local governments, or public entities without needing separate federal authorization, as long as they provide 30 days advance notice to the Bureau of Land Management detailing the intended use and involved parties. The bill exempts these aquifer recharge activities from additional rental fees, except when used for for-profit purposes or by for-profit entities. It also specifies that such use does not require compliance with certain environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and clarifies that this authority does not permit new construction or expansion of infrastructure. The changes primarily affect landowners, water rights holders, government entities, and tribes seeking to use existing infrastructure for groundwater replenishment projects, with no new federal funding specified in the bill.
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