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Show 508 NEW JERSEY even though his use may interfere with his neighbors' use.118 How- ever, the court has since rejected this rule and has adopted what it has called the "doctrine of reasonable use" in cases involving the use of ground waters. Under this doctrine, a landowner may use the ground water beneath his land for purposes connected with the land in a reasonable manner and he may develop his land as long as his use does not cause undue or unreasonable interference with the rights of other landowners to the like enjoyment of such waters.119 However, if a landowner is diverting and selling ground water for purposes not related to the enjoyment of his land, he will be liable for any interference which is caused to his neighbors' use.120 The concept of reasonable use applies to the quality of ground water as well as quantity, and a landowner cannot cause an unreasonable deterioration in water by his activities.121 The New Jersey court has recognized the interrelationship between ground water and surface water, and has held that the improper use or diversion of ground water may make a person liable where the flow of springs and streams is materially interfered with as the result of the excessive use of ground water.122 In addition to the permit system discussed above, the legislature has also passed legislation dealing with the sealing of abandoned wells and the licensing of well drillers. Any person who abandons an existing well or test hole must notify the water policy and supply council and must seal and fill such wells and test holes in accordance with the rules and regulations of the council.123 Any^ well not in operation for three or more years or improperly maintained may be deemed to have been abandoned.124 The council may order the sealing of any abandoned well when the condition of the well en- dangers the quality of the ground waters and any person who fails to comply with such an order is subject to a fine.125 No person or corporation may engage in well drilling in New Jersey without first acquiring a license from the commissioner of the department of environmental protection.126 Before a person can be licensed to drill a well, he must be examined by a well drillers examining board which must certify to the commission that the individual is qualified to receive a license.127 In areas where the ground water permit system has been adopted, a well driller may not drill a well unless a permit has been secured from the water policy and supply council and the permit may re- quire as a condition of its issuance that the well driller provide the State geologist with samples of the materials encountered in drilling the well.128 "8 Ocean Grove Gamp Meeting Assoc. v. Commissioners of Asbury Park, 40 N.J. Bq. 447. 3 Atl. 168 (1885). 1:19 Meeker v. City of East Orange. 77 N..T.L. 623. Atl. 379 (1909); P. Ballantine & Sons v. Public Service Corp., 86 N.J.L. 331, 91 Atl. 95 (1914). 120 Meeker v. City of East Orange, 77 N.J.L. 623. 74 Atl. 739 (1909). 121 P. Ballantine & Sons v. Public Service Corp.. 86 N.J.L. 331, 91 Atl. 95 (1914). 122 Harper, Hoilingsworth & Darby Co. v. Mountain Water Co.. 65 N.J. Bq. 479, 56 Atl. 297 (1903) ; Meeker v. City of East Orange, 77 N.J.L. 623, 74 Atl. 379 (1909). ia> Ser. 58 :4A-4.1. 12* Sec. 58 :4A-4.1. 125gec. 58:4A-4.2. 126 Sec. 58 :4A-6. "fRec. 58:4A-10. 328 Sec. 58 :4A-14. |