45-602. Capping of wells; waste
A. Groundwater which has been withdrawn shall not be allowed to waste. To effectuate the purposes of this section, the director shall:
1. Require all flowing wells to be capped or equipped with valves so that the flow of water can be completely stopped when not in use.
2. Require both flowing and non-flowing wells to be constructed and maintained so as to prevent waste of groundwater through leaky casing, lack of casings, pipes, fittings, valves or pumps, either above or below the surface of the ground.
B. The reasonable withdrawal of groundwater for development, testing or repair of a well or the inadvertent loss of water due to breakage of a pump, valve, pipe or fitting is not waste if reasonable diligence is shown in effecting the necessary repairs.