567—50.1 (455B) Scope of division. The department has jurisdiction over the surface and groundwater of the state to establish and administer a comprehensive program to ensure that the water resources of the state be put to beneficial use to the fullest extent possible, that the waste or unreasonable use, or unreasonable methods of use of water be prevented, and that the conservation and protection of water resources be required with the view to their reasonable and beneficial use in the interest of the people.
Any person who proposes to pump or divert by gravity more than 25,000 gallons of water during a period of 24 hours or less from any source of groundwater or surface water, including streams bordering the state, impound surface water, divert surface runoff into a well, sinkhole or excavation or inject water or any material into a well has a duty to review the thresholds in Chapter 51 and contact the department to resolve any doubt concerning whether a permit is required.
Chapter 51 explains when approval is required for withdrawal, diversion or storage of water. Chapter 52 explains criteria for permitting withdrawal, diversion or storage of water. Chapter 53 sets forth the procedure for designating certain ground and surface water sources as protected sources and explains special criteria and conditions which may be applicable to those sources. Chapter 54 describes procedures and criteria for determining compensation to owners of nonregulated wells for well interference caused by permitted uses.