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Show 738 GROUND WATER RIGHTS IN SELECTED STATES use of ground water are essential and that "Complete information as to the occurrence and use of ground water in the state is essential to the development of a sound ground water policy."323 Consequently, the legislature has required the registration of all wells (except those used for domestic purposes324 and wells of municipal suppliers, which require a permit325) and the regulation of well drillers.326 Domestic use of ground water is given a preference over all other uses; agricul- tural uses are given a preference over manufacturing or industrial uses.327 Brief provisions regarding artesian waters prohibit the waste of these waters and provide a penalty if waste occurs.328 The legislature has declared that the pumping of water for irrigation pur- poses from pits located within 50 feet of any natural stream bank may have a direct effect on the surface flow of such stream and requires a permit for pumping from such pits. In acting on such a permit application, the Director of Water Resources is directed to take into account the affect such pumping may have on the amount of water in the stream and its ability to meet the re- quirements of appropriators from the stream.329 The statutes provide for a minimum spacing of 600 feet between irrigation wells,330 except that special permits for the location of such wells within less than this minimum space may be granted by the Director of Water Re- sources.331 In acting on such special permit applications, the Director shall consider the size, shape, and irrigation needs of the property for which the permit is sought, the known ground water supply, and the effect on such supply and the surrounding land.332 Similarly, a minimum spacing requirement of 1,000 feet is specified be- tween irrigation or industrial wells and municipal wells, except that a special permit may be granted by the Director for the location of wells within less than this minimum space.333 In acting on such special permit applications, he 323Id. § 46-601. 324 Domestic use of ground water means "all uses of ground water required for human needs as it relates to health, fire control, and sanitation and shall include the use of ground water for domestic livestock as related to normal farm and ranch operations." Id. § 46-613. 32SId. § § 46-638 to -650. 326Id. § § 46-601 to -607. 321 Jd. § 46-613. "•|/tf. § § 46-281 and -282. 329Id. § § 46-636 and -637. 330 But this does not apply to the location of more than one irrigation well by a landowner on his own farm, so long as each such well is at least 600 feet from another irrigation well on a neighboring farm under separate ownership. Nor does this apply to wells used for irrigation of no more than 2 acres of lawns and gardens for family use or profit, or wells used solely for domestic, culinary, or stock use on a ranch or farm. 331 Id. §§ 46-608 to-612. 332Id. § 46-610(2). 333Id. § 46-651 to -655. |