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.