Ark. Code Ann. § 15-22-902: Purpose

The State of Arkansas has an abundance of good quality groundwater. In some areas of the state, this groundwater is being mined such that in the future there may not be adequate supplies of good quality groundwater to meet our needs. In order to protect groundwater for the future, it is necessary to reduce groundwater use. It is most desirable that these reductions come from conservation or use of surface water, but in critical groundwater areas it may become necessary to limit groundwater withdrawals through the use of water rights. Should the regulatory provisions be implemented in the future, it is most desirable that day-to-day water management be administered by local districts, and every effort shall be made by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to delegate water management powers to qualified local districts. All regulatory powers shall apply only in critical groundwater areas. Programs for water use reporting, education and information, water conservation cost-sharing, and the registration fees shall be administered statewide.