Open AccessScalpels v. Hammers: Mitgating Exempt Well Impacts
Author(s) -
Bracken Nathan S.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of contemporary water research and education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1936-704X
pISSN - 1936-7031
DOI - 10.1111/j.1936-704x.2012.03110.x
Subject(s) - repeal , water supply , legislation , groundwater , business , environmental planning , natural resource economics , water quality , water resource management , environmental resource management , environmental science , political science , engineering , economics , environmental engineering , law , ecology , geotechnical engineering , biology
Most western states allow landowners to withdraw certain amounts of groundwater for specified purposes without obtaining a water right permit. As water demands increase in the West, some developers are using exempt wells to supply water to residential developments without acquiring the permits and water rights needed to build public water supply systems. This has led to concerns that the cumulative impact of these wells could impair senior water rights, create environmental problems, and threaten water quality in some areas. This article explores the considerations associated with mitigating exempt well impacts and argues that surgical approaches focused on specific issues and geographic areas (scalpels) are more politically and administratively feasible than broad efforts to repeal or reduce exemptions on a statewide basis (hammers). The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and do not represent those of the Western States Water Council or its member states.