This bill makes it easier to use existing pipelines, ditches, and canals on federal land to move and store water underground (aquifer recharge). If you hold a right-of-way, easement, or permit, you can use it for recharge for yourself or on behalf of a state, local government, Tribe, or public agency without getting new federal approval. This kind of use is not treated as an expansion or a “major” federal action.

Key points

• Who is affected: Holders of rights-of-way/easements/permits; states, local governments, Tribes, and public entities; Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
• What changes: At least 30 days before using an existing route for recharge, the holder must notify BLM and include who will use it, which route, details of the use, and a copy of the agreement. Using these routes for recharge does not require extra rent to BLM, unless the use or user is for-profit. The notice can cover recognized uses of older ditches and canals built on public land before October 21, 1976.
• Other: The bill also makes small wording fixes to the underlying law.