The Federal Role in Managing the Nation's Groundwater

Abstract

This paper examines the increasing importance of groundwater, the inadequacy of many states' laws and management policies, the federal government's legal authority to regulate or otherwise influence groundwater management and use, and the various ways the federal government influences and can influence groundwater management. The paper suggests ways the federal government should exercise that influence to promote wiser and better use of water.

Keywords: water, water rights, groundwater, federal water policy

JEL Classification: K32, Q00, Q25, Q28