Subd. 1. Applications for groundwater appropriations.

1. (a) Groundwater use permit applications are not complete until the applicant has supplied:

   1. (1) a water well record as required by section 103I.205, subdivision 9, information on the subsurface geologic formations penetrated by the well and the formation or aquifer that will serve as the water source, and geologic information from test holes drilled to locate the site of the production well;
   2. (2) the maximum daily, seasonal, and annual pumpage rates and volumes being requested;
   3. (3) information on groundwater quality in terms of the measures of quality commonly specified for the proposed water use and details on water treatment necessary for the proposed use;
   4. (4) an inventory of existing wells within 1-1/2 miles of the proposed production well or within the area of influence, as determined by the commissioner. The inventory must include information on well locations, depths, geologic formations, depth of the pump or intake, pumping and nonpumping water levels, and details of well construction; and
   5. (5) the results of an aquifer test completed according to specifications approved by the commissioner. The test must be conducted at the maximum pumping rate requested in the application and for a length of time adequate to assess or predict impacts to other wells and surface water and groundwater resources. The permit applicant is responsible for all costs related to the aquifer test, including the construction of groundwater and surface water monitoring installations, and water level readings before, during, and after the aquifer test.
2. (b) The commissioner may waive an application requirement in this subdivision if the information provided with the application is adequate to determine whether the proposed appropriation and use of water is sustainable and will protect ecosystems, water quality, and the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Subd. 2. Relationship to surface water resources.

Groundwater appropriations that have potential impacts to surface waters are subject to applicable provisions in section 103G.285.

Subd. 3. Protection of groundwater supplies.

The commissioner may establish water appropriation limits to protect groundwater resources. When establishing water appropriation limits to protect groundwater resources, the commissioner must consider the sustainability of the groundwater resource, including the current and projected water levels, water quality, whether the use protects ecosystems, and the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Subd. 4. Groundwater management areas.

The commissioner may designate groundwater management areas and limit total annual water appropriations and uses within a designated area to ensure sustainable use of groundwater that protects ecosystems, water quality, and the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Water appropriations and uses within a designated management area must be consistent with a plan approved by the commissioner that addresses water conservation requirements and water allocation priorities established in section 103G.261.

Subd. 5. Interference with other wells.

The commissioner may issue water use permits for appropriation from groundwater only if the commissioner determines that the groundwater use is sustainable to supply the needs of future generations and the proposed use will not harm ecosystems, degrade water, or reduce water levels beyond the reach of public water supply and private domestic wells constructed according to Minnesota Rules, chapter 4725.