72-5A-2: Legislative findings.

The legislature finds that:

A. conjunctive use and administration of both surface and ground waters are essential to the effective and efficient use of the state's limited water supplies; and

B. ground water recharge, storage and recovery have the potential to:

(1) offer savings in the costs of capital investment, operation and maintenance and flood control and may improve water and environmental quality;

(2) reduce the rate at which ground water levels will decline and may prevent overstressing or dewatering aquifer systems;

(3) promote conservation of water within the state;

(4) serve the public welfare of the state; and

(5) may lead to more effective use of the state's water resources.