To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.

This bill makes it easier for water managers to move water across public lands to refill underground aquifers. If someone already has a permit, easement, or right-of-way to move water across land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, they can use that same permission to move and store water for aquifer recharge without getting new federal approval. They can also do this on behalf of a state, local government, Tribe, or other public entity. This use is not treated as expanding or changing the original permission, and it is not considered a major federal action.

Before using an existing authorization this way, they must give the Bureau of Land Management at least 30 days’ notice and share basic details and a copy of their agreement with the public partner. This step is meant to keep the agency informed while avoiding delays from new permits. The bill also says no extra rent is owed to the Bureau for this use, unless the project is for profit. And it does not let anyone skip federal laws or Bureau policies, or build or expand facilities under this authority .

Key points

• Who is affected: Water providers and other holders of existing permissions on BLM land, plus states, local governments, Tribes, and public entities they partner with.
• What changes: They can use current permissions to move and store water for aquifer recharge without new federal approval, after a 30-day notice to BLM. No extra rent unless it’s for-profit. No authority to build new infrastructure, and all laws still apply .
• Timing: The 30-day notice to BLM is required before using an existing authorization for aquifer recharge.