Relating to the use and withdrawal of Iowa’s surface and groundwater resources, including permitting requirements

This bill relates to the use and withdrawal of Iowa’s surface and groundwater resources, including permitting requirements. _____ utilization, consistent with the public interest. The bill strikes the definition of “waste” for purposes of Code chapter 455B, subchapter III, part 4. The bill enhances the readability of the declaration of policy and planning requirements, by removing certain planning language, time-limited requirements, and declarations. Under current law, the department of natural resources (department) is required to submit a progress report and proposed implementation schedule of the floodplain mapping plan every two years to the general assembly, and is authorized to modify the floodplain mapping plan as needed. The bill removes the provision requiring submission and authorizing modification related to the floodplain mapping plan. Under current law, the department is directed to take measures to protect water resources to ensure long-term availability in terms of quantity and quality to preserve public health and welfare. The bill amends the language to ensure long-term availability of the state’s water resources. The bill requires any person withdrawing water from surface or groundwater sources or diverting water into underground watercourses or basins to first be issued a permit, except for nonregulated uses. The bill allows for existing permitted uses during the department’s review period. The bill prohibits the director from approving a permit application if the director determines that the withdrawal or proposed use will adversely impact water sources, natural flows, or landowners, if permit conditions cannot mitigate the adverse effects. The bill requires denial of a permit when the proposed use is not a beneficial use, would fail to preserve established average minimum water flows, would impair navigability, or would threaten the long-term availability of water in any surface or groundwater source. The bill makes changes to align with the amended provisions in the bill, including repealing certain Code sections relating to water permitting and administration.