Vermont has a new law designed to monitor the use of large quantities of groundwater.
On Monday, Governor Jim Douglas signed into law legislation that declares Vermont’s groundwater a public trust. It sets up a permitting process for those who want to make large water withdrawals.
The goal is to protect Vermont from water shortages.
Starting next year, commercial enterprises that withdraw large volumes of water a day will be required to report their usage.
In two years some businesses will need a permit. Most farms will be exempt.
Many water users see the law as a way to provide a scientific basis for monitoring water usage.