27-667. Relationship of geothermal resources to water laws

A. Geothermal resources and their development shall be exempt from the water laws of this state unless either:

1. Such resources are commingled with surface waters or groundwaters of this state.

2. Such development causes impairment of or damage to the groundwater supply.

B. In the development of geothermal resources, any well drilled to obtain and use groundwater, as defined in section 45-101, shall be subject to the water laws of this state.

C. An operator shall notify the director of water resources of any well which is drilled or abandoned. The director may prescribe rules and regulations relating to the disposition of abandoned wells.

27-667. Relationship of geothermal resources to water laws

A. Geothermal resources and their development shall be exempt from the water laws of this state unless either:

1. Such resources are commingled with surface waters or groundwaters of this state.

2. Such development causes impairment of or damage to the groundwater supply.

B. In the development of geothermal resources, any well drilled to obtain and use groundwater, as defined in section 45-101, shall be subject to the water laws of this state.

C. An operator shall notify the director of water resources of any well which is drilled or abandoned. The director may prescribe rules and regulations relating to the disposition of abandoned wells.