§ 15-22-201 - Declaration of policy. - Arkansas Statutes

15-22-201. Declaration of policy.

(a) In recognition of the fact that there is rainfall over the State of Arkansas in rainy seasons more than ample to provide sufficient surface water for the use of persons in this state during those seasons, that most of this surplus water is now wasted and completely lost, and does damage to fertile soil while being wastefully lost, and that during other periods the supply of surface water has been and may be inadequate for needed use, it is declared to be the policy of the State of Arkansas to encourage and provide methods for conserving surplus surface water for future use.

(b) To that end, it is declared to be the purpose of this subchapter to permit and regulate the construction of facilities to store surplus surface water for future use, to protect the rights of all persons equitably and reasonably interested in the use and disposition of surface water, to maintain the normal flow of all streams and preserve the fish therein, to prevent harmful overflows and flooding, and to conserve the natural resources of the State of Arkansas.