WSP04552 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

t'if ., -,':H U . ~ c~ ._ ~3 L DRAFT The law provides for a ground water commission which has the authority to establish designated groundwater basins in accordance with the defini- tion of designated groundwater as above set forth. The procedure for establishing such groundwater basins is set forth in the legislation which includes public hearings and publication. After having designated a groundwater basin, the commission, through the state engineer, will issue permits for the use of groundwater and establish a priority date and number for each well in accordance with the doctrine of prior appropriation. However, if the commission finds that the issuance of any future permit would unreasonably impair any existing use or would result in the unreasonable lowering of the water table, then a permit may be denied. The procedure for hearing and publication on all future permits is provided for in the.legislation. The priority date of future w",lls is the date of filing the re<;ues,t for permit with the st:1te engineer. I The ground water commission is given rather broad powers to conserve the groundwater resources of the designated basins and to protect vested rights of other appropriat'ors. The 'state engineer is the enforcing officer for the commission. Within areas determined as designated groundwater basins by the ground water commission, local groundwater management districts may be formed. Formation is through a vote of the local people. If a district is formed, then the district itself has broad general powers of management over the g,'oundwater resources of the designated area. Decisions of local districts may be appealed to the commission. The powers and functions of the groundwater district are quite comprehensive and are fully set forth in the legislation, 11. 1.