H.R. 331 — To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.

This section revises the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g-9(c)) to authorize holders of existing Bureau of Reclamation rights-of-way, easements, permits, or authorizations—including pre-1976 ditches and canals under R.S. 2339 and 2340 (43 U.S.C. 661)—to allow use by or on behalf of a state, political subdivision, Indian tribe, or public entity for aquifer recharge and related water transport without additional federal authorization (not deemed an expansion, modification, or substantial deviation), subject to submitting notice to the Bureau of Land Management at least 30 days in advance that identifies the entity, authorization, intended use details, and use agreement. The section further clarifies that these provisions create no new rights or authority, do not waive compliance with applicable federal laws or Bureau policies, and do not authorize constructing, modifying, or expanding infrastructure. (As background, the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act allows transport of non-federal water through Reclamation facilities for groundwater recharge projects in 17 western states.) The section also makes technical amendments in subsections (a) and (c)(5) by replacing "Act" with "section."