What is groundwater law?

Water law in North Carolina is a complex area of law that deals with surface water, groundwater, and wetlands regulations. Groundwater law refers to the laws and regulations that govern the use of groundwater. Groundwater law in the state of North Carolina is primarily governed by the North Carolina General Statutes and the North Carolina Administrative Code. These laws and regulations provide guidance on the legal rights and responsibilities of those who use groundwater for various purposes. Groundwater law in North Carolina typically includes a combination of both public and private property rights, and varies depending on the source of the groundwater. Generally speaking, rights to use groundwater by landowners adjacent to the source are recognized, while rights to use groundwater from non-adjacent sources are regulated by the state. The state of North Carolina has established several agencies and programs to protect, conserve and manage the state’s groundwater resources. These include the Groundwater Commission, the Division of Water Quality, the Groundwater Protection Program, and the Environmental Management Commission. In addition to these state agencies and programs, the federal government has also taken an active role in establishing a system of groundwater regulation and conservation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency sets national standards for groundwater quality, and the US Geological Survey provides a wealth of information regarding the state’s groundwater resources and potential pollution sources. Overall, groundwater law in North Carolina is complex and comprehensive, and is designed to protect, conserve, and manage the state’s valuable water resources.

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